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The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

2,014 episodes — Page 11 of 41

Overcoming the Fear of Rejection

Did you know that today's host, Jennifer Slattery, has a podcast of her own? Check out Faith Over Fear, where Jennifer helps us see different areas of life where fear has a foothold, and how our identity as children of God can help us move from fear to faithful, bold living. In John 2:18-25, we witness a revealing moment early in Jesus’ ministry — a moment filled with admiration, opposition, belief, and rejection. While the crowds clamored for signs and the religious leaders challenged His authority, Jesus remained steady, anchored not in human praise or criticism, but in His unshakable union with the Father. Today’s devotional invites us to reflect on how often we attach our identity and worth to the opinions of others — and how Jesus models a better way. He loved deeply, yet He didn’t entrust Himself to the crowds because He knew the fickleness of human hearts. Instead, He remained secure in the Father’s constant love and presence. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Learn how Jesus responded to both praise and rejection without letting either define Him💡 Discover how our own attachment to human approval can keep us in bondage💡 Be encouraged to entrust yourself fully to God, finding your identity and security in Him alone💡 Reflect on the freedom that comes from resting in God’s unchanging love 💬 Join the Conversation What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙️ Don’t miss a single episode of The Crosswalk Devotional!Follow our audio podcast on your favorite podcast app and join us every weekday for fresh, faith-building encouragement rooted in Scripture. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. 23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. John 2:18-25 (NIV) The more someone else’s praise can lift you up, the more their criticism can tear you down. If you grew up in a critical home, you probably know the truth of that statement from experience. Perhaps you’ve felt the emotional high of feeling like you made an often emotionally unavailable parent proud, and the grief that flooded your soul when they suddenly, without clear provocation, rejected you through harsh words or relational withdrawal. Or you’re enduring a lonely and unstable marriage where you find your longing for love and connection has caused you to grasp at the slightest display of affection. Or you frequently feel excluded in your social circle, judged in your faith community, or belittled in a toxic work environment.  Those circumstances can exacerbate our unhealed wounds and the lies our enemy the devil often attaches to them. In my long-standing battle against shame and the fear of rejection it triggered, I found today’s passage intriguing.  This occurred at the beginning of Jesus ministry and directly following His first recorded miracle at a wedding in Cana. Directly following, Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover. At the Temple, He saw merchant and money changers clogging the one area permitted to Gentiles. In other words, they were limiting non-Jews’ access to God. In response, Jesus cleared the courts and overturned the tables.  And the Jews responded to Him by demanding a sign, in essence, saying, “Who do You think You are?”  And thus, opposition between Him and the religious power-players of His day began. But He also drew the admiration of the crowd.  Here, we see adoration and animosity, respect and disdain, belief and rejection. And it is following this important contrast that we read, in verses 24-25, “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, fo

Apr 23, 20257 min

Consider How the Flowers Grow

In our hectic, pressure-filled lives, it’s easy to get tangled up in worry — about finances, relationships, health, and the future. But Jesus offers a gentle, beautiful reminder: look at the wildflowers. In Luke 12:27-28, He invites us to notice how God cares for even the most fleeting parts of creation and promises that His care for us is even greater. In today’s devotional, Whitney Hopler reflects on the peaceful, unhurried life of flowers — and how their effortless trust in God’s provision challenges us to release our worries and rest in His faithful care. If God so carefully clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He clothe and care for you? Key Takeaways:🌸 Learn how observing flowers can offer practical lessons in trusting God’s provision🌸 Discover why Jesus calls us to live free from worry by His faithful care.🌸 Be encouraged to recognize the details God tends to in your life, big and small🌸 Reflect on ways to cultivate peace and gratitude through simple moments in nature 💬 Join the Conversation What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you. Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Consider How the Flowers Grow By: Whitney Hopler “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you – you of little faith!” – Luke 12:27-28, NIV  During May, I love to visit gardens to see flowers. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax. Flowers become so beautiful just by doing what they were made to do, without any stress. When I look at them, I’m reminded that I can trust God to take care of me, too.  In our busy lives, we can get overwhelmed with everything we have to do. We might even start worrying about the future. But Jesus tells us not to worry and look at the simple beauty of nature to inspire us to make a different choice. He tells us to think about how wildflowers grow, as a reminder of how God cares for everything he made – including us. These verses remind us that God loves and cares for even the smallest parts of his creation. The flowers grow naturally, depending on God for everything they need. They don’t worry about whether they’ll have enough. They just trust what God provides for them – and in the process, they become beautiful. We may catch ourselves worrying about what we need for our health, our money, our relationships, and much more. But Jesus says to just look at the flowers and learn from them. They grow well under God’s care without worrying – just by being what God made them to be.  If God cares so much for these short-lived flowers, how much more will God care for us, his children? Our worries can make us forget to trust God’s provision. Jesus asks us to have more faith. He challenges us to trust that God knows what we need and will provide it at the right time. Just like the flowers rely on God for everything, Jesus invites us to rely on God for everything we need. This means really believing that God knows our needs and is working to meet them in the best way for us.  Beautiful flowers also show us how amazing God’s work is in our lives. God’s care for us includes paying attention to every little detail. If God puts so much care into making flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow look beautiful, how much more does God care about the details of our lives? This should make us feel grateful and give us peace, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving God.  Just as flowers grow without effort, trusting God to provide, we can rest assured that God will meet our needs. We should still work hard on what God has given us to do. But we never need to worry about our needs being met, because we can always trust our loving Heavenly Father to provide what we need. So, let’s enjoy the simple beauty of flowers and let their beauty remind us of God’s beautiful care for us. May we grow in faith, knowing that the God who clothes the flowers so well will definitely take care of us! Intersecting Faith and Life  As you consider how flowers can inspire you to trust God more, reflect on these questions: When you feel overwhelmed by worries, how can enjoying flowers help you relieve stress and find a fresh perspective? What specific needs do you find most challenging

Apr 22, 20256 min

Shame Has No Place in a Christian's Life

Today’s devotional reminds us of a liberating truth: shame was never meant to be part of a believer’s identity. While guilt can lead us to repentance, shame clings like a heavy weight, making us believe we’re unworthy of God’s love. But the Word of God is clear — what Jesus has forgiven, He has forgiven forever. Isaiah 50:7 says, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” You are not your past. You are not your mistakes. You are not the voice of the enemy whispering old regrets into your mind. You are a new creation, loved and accepted by your Savior. As followers of Christ, we can boldly trade shame for grace, heaviness for hope, and regret for peace. Jesus has given us the freedom to move forward unburdened — we just have to hand over the weight. Join the Conversation:What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you. Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Shame Has No Place in a Christian’s Life By Vivian Bricker “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame” (Isaiah 50:7).  I have often struggled with feelings of shame because of past actions and decisions. The hurtful words I have said in the past have caused me to develop deep shame about myself. Shame causes me to feel unworthy and extremely guilty. In other words, I feel like a terrible person, and I begin hating myself. “I shouldn’t have said that. I shouldn’t have done that.” These thoughts swim around in my head and eventually drown me.  Shame knocks at our door each day. However, instead of letting it in, we have the choice to turn it away. Although shame creeps into our hearts, we don’t have to feed into it. The devil has a way of bringing past sins back into our minds, which will cause us to feel shame, but we don't need to listen to him. Satan wants us to fall in any way possible, and this includes making us feel ashamed. We don’t need to feel shame for past sins, as they have already been forgiven by the Lord. What Jesus has forgiven is forgiven forever. This means that all of our sins have been forgiven on account of the Lord’s blood. We never have to fear these past sins because they are completely forgiven. Since they are forgiven, we do not need to dwell on them. The past is in the past, and we need to strive forward. Shame does not need to take up occupancy in our hearts or minds. Whether we are feeling shame over a past sin or a present sin, we can bring it before Jesus. Jesus wants us to release these feelings to Him and allow Him to carry them for us. In no way does the Lord expect us to carry this weight alone.  Give all of your feelings of shame over to the Lord today. Trust Him with these feelings and allow Him to lift this shame from your shoulders. In truth, the shame can only be placed there by us. Since Jesus has forgiven us of our past sins, there is no reason to continue to feel guilty. We have been given forgiveness and freedom from our past.  No longer are we defined by our past. We are defined by Jesus.  Isaiah 50:7 says, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” As this passage of Scripture tells us, we do not need to be disgraced or put to shame. Since the Lord is our help, He has caused our feet to stand on level ground. Our faces have been set like flint, and we will never be put to shame.  The Bible tells us clearly in this passage that we don’t need to be disgraced or ashamed anymore. We can give all of these feelings over to Jesus. He is our sovereign help and our firm foundation of hope. As we reflect on this truth, we need to remember Jesus’ goodness and mercy. By reflecting on these things, we will slowly see the truth that since Jesus doesn’t define us by our past actions, neither should we.  Since shame has been eradicated in our lives, we can move forward with our future. Jesus has given us an abundant life, and we don’t need to trade this away for a life of shame. All of us would be wise to give these feelings over to Jesus and trust them with Him. Whenever feelings of shame rise again, we can continually turn them over to the Lord. With time, Jesus will help us to fully let go of shame once and for all. “Dear Jesus

Apr 21, 20256 min

At Easter and Every Day Jesus Understands

Today’s devotional reminds us of one of the most beautiful truths of our faith: Jesus understands what it means to be human. He experienced hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and yes — even anguish so deep that He sweat drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:44) No matter what you're facing — heartbreak, fear, anxiety, or loss — Jesus isn’t distant from your pain. He’s felt it, carried it, and overcome it. This Easter and every day, we can be assured that the One who conquered death understands every burden we bear. And just as God sent strength to Jesus in His moment of need, He promises to send help to us too — whether through His Word, His people, or His angels. We encourage you to pray:“Lord, thank You for knowing what it’s like to hurt, to grieve, and to feel overwhelmed. Help me to follow Your example of surrender and trust, and to lean on You for strength in my hardest moments.” Join the Conversation:When was a time you felt God’s strength in a season of deep distress? How do you find peace in knowing Jesus understands what you’re walking through? We’d love to hear your story — connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a comment on Crosswalk.com. Your testimony might be the encouragement someone else is praying for today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: At Easter and Every Day, Jesus Understands By Lynette Kittle And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground--Luke 22:44 Sweat: most of us experience it repeatedly in life, whether from high temperatures in weather or during illness, recreational activities or exercise, or because of stress and anxiety; it’s a gritty, real aspect of life. Still, some of us don’t think of Jesus ever sweating like we do at times, but being fully human as well as fully God, we can be assured He sweated. As a physician, Luke added details in his writing that help us know Jesus experienced human conditions like us.  Jesus Knows What It’s Like to Be Human From various biblical passages, we also know that Jesus hungered for food, like we do. How He thirsted for drink, like us. Likewise, how He grew tired and needed rest and solitude at times, away from the crowds of people who followed Him, just like many of us do, too. Most likely, though, no matter what immense pressure we’ve been under at times, most of us have not had such an intense prayer time as Jesus did, where we sweat drops of blood.  Mark 14:32 describes the setting where it occurred. “They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’” Yet, still in this peaceful, quite beautiful place, “He took Peter, James and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ He said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch’” (Mark 14:33-34). Jesus Felt the Pressure Sometimes we might feel embarrassed in our reactions to distress and trouble, but we can take comfort in knowing even Jesus has felt it, understanding and knowing how being under pressure can feel. “Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him.  “’Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.’”(Mark 14:35-36). Jesus understands what it’s like to feel like something is too hard and too much for us to bear. He leads the way by showing us how to surrender and submit to our Heavenly Father’s will over our own will, even when we believe it’s too much for us to handle. Jesus Received Strength Still, a garden setting sounds lovely and peaceful, yet Jesus sweat drops of blood while praying as He faced the future and the reality of the cross to come. Luke 22:43 describes how during Jesus’ prayer, “An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.” Some of us are experiencing Easter this year while walking through distressful, sad, and life-changing events, a time where our whole world seems to be turned upside down, possibly dealing with life and death issues, facing devastating losses we didn’t anticipate in our lives.  Maybe we’re not to the point of sweating drops of blood, but feeling the intensity of experiencing things we don’t feel the strength to endure going through. If so, we can follow Jesus’ example of spending time in prayer, of taking our concerns to God, and relying on Him to send help to get us through whatever we’re facing. But we may think it’s farfetched to think God will send us help,

Apr 20, 20256 min

God Is Here

In today’s devotional, Alexis A. Goring reminds us of a powerful, comforting truth: God is not a distant observer, watching humanity from afar. Instead, Scripture promises He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18 NIV). Using the classic song “From a Distance” as a launching point, Alexis explores the misconception that God simply set the world in motion and then stepped away. This worldview, known as Deism, paints God as a cosmic clockmaker who lets creation run on its own. But the Bible tells a different story — one of a God who is deeply involved in the details of our lives. From the mountaintop moments to the darkest valleys, God walks with us, comforts us, and intervenes in ways both miraculous and tender. He hasn’t abandoned His creation, and He certainly hasn’t abandoned you. His presence is a steady promise we can cling to in every season. Today’s Key Scripture:“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 NIV Join the Conversation:When was a time you felt God’s presence in a powerful, undeniable way? How do you remind yourself that He is near in difficult seasons? We’d love to hear your story — connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or send us a message. Let’s uplift one another with stories of God’s faithful presence! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below God is Here  By Alexis A. Goring “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”— Psalm 34:18 NIV A famous song titled “From a Distance” performed by Bette Midler is the focal point for this devotional message today.  The song romanticizes life on Earth in poetic words, saying how beautiful our experiences here on this planet are, from a distance. The lyrics paint a hopeful and optimistic view of the good in our world and inspires the listener to dream of a better state of affairs, and human relations that are harmonious. No war, no sickness, no disease and no people who are starving to eat food. Just beautiful views of nature from the oceans to the mountains and the trees. It is the kind of harmony that most humans desire. Then the lyrics say that from a distance God is watching us. And that is the concept I want to address in this devotional today. The song has a beautiful melody but the lyrics are not theologically true because the Bible says God is with us even until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). God didn’t create our world then return to Heaven to safely watch us wreck it. No! He is very involved in human affairs and pays attention to every detail of our life. This school of thought has a name: Deism.  According Alyssa Roat in an article titled, “What is Deism and Is It Influencing Your Faith?” published on the website for Bible Study Tools, “Deism teaches that there is a God, and that He created the world, but created things do not need His presence and the exercise of His power in order to continue in existence and fulfill their functions. The material world is placed under immutable law; while man, the rational and moral free agent, is left to do as he wills. God sustains, according to deism, very much the same relation to the universe that the clock-maker does to his timepiece. Having made his clock, and wound it up, he does not interfere with it, and the longer it can run without the maker's intervention the greater the evidence of wisdom and skill on the part of the maker. God according to deism has never wrought a miracle nor made a supernatural revelation to man.” I’d like to challenge that belief with a note of hope: God did create this beautiful world, but He didn’t leave it to run by itself nor has He left us without any help from Heaven. God is ever-present in our world today. Just because we cannot see Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Apr 19, 20256 min

Light Will Reign Over Darkness

In a world where headlines feel heavy and darkness seems to close in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But John 1:5 reminds us of a powerful truth:“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Even when chaos rages, God’s light is never extinguished. As believers, we are called to fix our eyes not on the circumstances around us—but on the One who reigns above them. It’s time to return to the heart of Scripture, to reflect Christ’s love, grace, and truth in our actions, and to trust in His ultimate victory. We encourage you to pray:“Lord, help me walk in Your light when the world feels dark. Give me hope in You when my heart feels heavy.” No matter what you’re facing today—personal anxiety, political unrest, or spiritual fatigue—remember this: darkness does not win. It never has, and it never will. God is greater, and His light will reign. Join the Conversation:What’s been weighing heavy on your heart lately? How have you seen God’s light break through darkness in your life? Share with us @LifeaudioNetwork or email us. Let’s encourage each other to keep our eyes on the Light that never fades. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Light Will Reign Over Darkness By Vivian Bricker “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).  A few weeks ago, I was feeling overwhelmed by the news. Day after day, things have been getting worse, and all we can do is watch as the world seemingly burns. Fear and anger have been present in my heart to a degree I haven’t experienced before. Knowing that we cannot control the present situations in the world today can cause us to feel hopeless. The political climate has changed, and as believers, we need to be discerning, understand the Bible, and be cautious of the present. Regardless of your political affiliation, remember that your allegiance lies with God. If you would rather follow a president or a political leader over God, then you might need to reassess your faith.  Believers need to return to the Bible and truly walk as the Lord did. Rather than building our beliefs on American ideals, we must ground ourselves in the timeless truths of the Bible. As believers, we should recall that the biblical Jesus helps the sick, injured, and impoverished.  He loves all people and mercifully extends His grace to all of us (Psalm 107:1, 145:9). If Christians truly desire to follow Christ, then we need to return to the Lord with our whole hearts. We need to repent, submit to God, and make the necessary changes in our lives to reflect His love and grace. As Christians, it’s our role to endorse and promote the Bible, Jesus, and a proper understanding of theology so that others may see the light that we see. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). When everything is in shambles around us, we need to remember God is still good and He is still at work. Even when it seems like evil prevails, God still reigns on the throne.  Darkness will never overcome the light.  Though everything feels dark right now, it will not endure forever. We should do our best to educate others, pray, and wait on the Lord. The Lord will bring deliverance for His people and restore our weary hearts. Darkness can feel bleak and daunting, yet it will never be more powerful than God. God is greater than all things, including disasters, problems, and evil.  Evil will always be at work in the world until the very end, but we must stay strong. Everyone has free will, and we cannot discount the evil nature of humans (Romans 3:23). As believers, we need to be aware of this and bring our hearts back to the only one who is truly perfect and good: God. God is the antithesis of evil, as He is full of love, grace, and compassion (Psalm 116:5).  His light will shine out of darkness, and we will be given relief. It might not happen overnight, but it will come. We need to continue to be patient, trust in Him, and know that He will prevail.  What is causing darkness to reign over you today? How can you find hope in God despite the despair in the world today? What are some things you can do today to bring your heart peace? Further Reading: Romans 16:17-20 2 Corinthians 11:12-15 1 John 5:19-20 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Apr 18, 20255 min

Easter: A Time for Planting

At Easter, we often celebrate with joyful traditions—colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and family dinners. But at the heart of it all is a deeper truth: Easter is also a time for planting.Not just tulips or gardens, but seeds of eternal life. In John 12:23-24, Jesus speaks of His death as a seed falling to the ground. Through His sacrifice, a harvest of souls is made possible. He models what it means to lay down your life so that others may live—and calls us to do the same. This Easter, we encourage you to pray:“Lord, help me be willing to plant seeds of faith—even when it costs me something. Use my life to lead others to Yours.” Whether it's through daily sacrifice, loss, or even stories of loved ones who’ve gone before us in faith, God uses these “planted seeds” to bring about new life in others. And while we may never see the full harvest, we can trust Him with the growth. Join the Conversation:Have you ever seen God bring spiritual growth through the life or passing of someone you loved? How has a seed of faith in your own life impacted others? Share your story @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let’s encourage one another to plant with purpose. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Easter: A Time for Planting By Lynette Kittle “Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds’”--John 12:23-24 When we think of Easter, what comes to our minds? Many of us think of cultural and family traditions like Easter egg hunts, colorful baskets, chocolate bunnies, and family gatherings. Of course, as Christians, we recognize and understand the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus, of His shed blood atoning for our sins, and giving us new, eternal life in Him. But do we also consider how Easter is a time to plant seeds, ones that bring others to Salvation? Jesus understood much more than we do how His death would produce many seeds and how vital it is to our world being reconciled to God. Losing Our Lives to Keep Them Eternally In John 12:25-26, Jesus tells us, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.” Still, it’s hard for countless individuals who don’t want to pay the price for serving Christ in this world by dying to themselves and giving up their lives so that others may live. It’s too high of a cost for some, and where many individuals decide to go another way. Some think it was easy for Jesus to go to the cross, but in speaking of His coming death, He said,  “’Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save Me from this hour”? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to Him” (John 12:27-28). Even though Jesus was troubled by what was to come, His suffering and death on the cross, He submitted to the Father’s will, laying down His life so that others may live. Seeds Lead to Life Eternal Jesus knew that the dying of one seed releases many seeds that bring forth a harvest. Just like in nature, when a seed falls to the ground and dies, producing many seeds, so do spiritual seeds that die. As a hospice chaplain, my husband knows too well that funerals are a time where many people consider their lives, how they’re living, and where they will go for eternity. Growing up, there was a tragic accident that occurred in our church family, where a girl in our youth group lost her life. It struck the hearts of our youth group deeply, and I still vividly remember sitting in the crowded, overflowing church balcony during her funeral.  As heart-wrenching as it was, we knew she was with Jesus now, alive and living everlasting with Him. Her death and testimony of faith in Jesus touched many hearts that day, softening them and leading them to Salvation in Christ. Like Jesus taught, her single seed dying, as sad and tragic as it was, produced and planted many seeds in the lives of those who knew, loved, and heard of her faith in Christ. Seeds Need Watering As Jesus emphasized, seeds dying and being planted in the lives of others is vital for the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we all play a part in helping those seeds to grow and flourish in the lives of those where they are planted.  Like the Apostle Paul descr

Apr 17, 20257 min

When Your Mind Is Somewhere Else

When anxious thoughts flood your mind and you feel like you're living in a fog—disconnected from the moment and overwhelmed by “what ifs”—you’re not alone. In today’s devotional, Kelly Balarie vulnerably shares how anxiety hijacked her thoughts even in the middle of everyday moments with her kids. But instead of staying stuck in the spiral of fear, she turned to Psalm 27:1 and found refuge in God's Word:“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” We encourage you to pray: “Lord, help me to release what I’m holding onto so tightly. Let me trust that You are my stronghold, my refuge, and my salvation—even when I feel like I’m falling apart.” When our grip on life feels weak, God reminds us: He’s the one holding on tight.Let this be your permission to stop rehearsing worst-case scenarios and instead rest in the truth that God is your Light, your Refuge, and your Stronghold. When we move out of the way, we make way for the Way Maker. Join the Conversation:Have you ever been so anxious that you struggled to be present? What verse has helped anchor you in those moments? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. We’d love to hear your story and stand with you in faith. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When Your Mind is Somewhere Else By Kelly Balarie “The Lord is my Light and My Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid.” – Psalm 27:1 NLT For days, I was internally screaming inside, while pretending to be there for my kids. I was internally agonizing, while trying to calmly answer questions about stop lights, and what’s for lunch and playdates with friends. Half the words they spoke would fly over my head, lest I pay attention and ignore the tight clenching pain of anxiety thumping in my chest. I tried to call myself to attention. “Mommy, what do you think we will do for Valentine’s Day?” My kids asked me. Who in the world knows?! My world is combusting! How will I handle what I am facing?! How can I disaster plan? If the worst-case scenario happens, how do I rise up? Going somewhere else, in the car, while my kids chatted away, I could see all the dominoes falling. I could see all the marbles rolling everywhere, unable to be contained. I could envision my agony as I couldn’t handle the future.  Ever been there? Ever been in the place you never wanted to arrive to? Ever seen the darkness you didn’t want to see? Ever confronted a monster that you only hoped and prayed would pass you by? And what do you do when you can’t stop thinking of worst-case scenarios?! When you keep considering all the ways you’ll be hurt? When you’re already experiencing the shame that hasn’t even yet come?  These are viable questions. Ones I was contending with for days. . .  God knows, I didn’t want to be anxious or worried, yet I kept on confessing to God – that I was.  So here I am. Distracted. And I’d be a liar to tell you I have everything all worked out at this point. I don’t. There seem to be a handful of problems I can’t fix on my own, but I can tell you, I found a couple verses that have really encouraged me. Here they are: “The Lord is my Light and My Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid. When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise against me, (even then) in this I will be confident.” (Ps. 27:1-4) In these verses, I have safety.  The Lord is my Light. Light brings clarity, it brings direction on the best paths to walk and it, like a spotlight, can even be a weapon to blind opposition.  The Lord is my salvation. Salvation brings salvation. I will be saved. The Savior is faithful to save. I can rest in Him to do the saving work.  I can turn to Him for salvation and trust Him. He may not only save me; He may save those who come in contact with me during this hard time. No one can come against the saving power of God. In this, there is no fear. The Lord is my refuge. In Christ, I am in the biggest, most secure, steel-reinforced refuge. No one is as safe as Jesus. I am hidden in Christ and Christ is invincible in battle. I am protected, not a sitting duck. Enemy forces have a hard time penetrating that safety. I can trust Him to protect me. The Lord is The Stronghold of My Life. When I feel like I have no hold on life, I can trust that God has a strong hold of my life. He knows everything going on. He sees every issue. He knows the way. H

Apr 16, 20256 min

How Do You Spell Tax Relief?

Taxes are temporary. God’s provision, peace, and promises are eternal. When we get tangled in financial worry or frustration, Jesus gently shifts our focus upward — reminding us that no matter what we owe the government, we owe our lives to the One who paid our ultimate debt on the cross. Join the Conversation:How do you navigate stressful seasons like tax time while keeping your focus on God? Have you seen His provision show up when you needed it most? Share your stories with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or by email. Let’s encourage one another to rest in God’s care — even when the numbers don’t add up. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Apr 15, 20258 min

When Compassion Fatigue Hits Hard

There are moments when the weight of the world feels too heavy to carry—especially for those who are natural caregivers, helpers, and encouragers. In today's devotional, Alexis A. Goring explores compassion fatigue—a very real emotional exhaustion that can happen when you’re constantly giving of yourself to help others. Drawing from Psalm 145:9, “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made,” we’re reminded that while we may reach the end of our emotional strength, God never does. He never tires, never grows weary, and always has time for your burdens. We encourage you to pause and pray: “Lord, help me cast my cares on You and remind me that I don’t need to carry it all. Thank You for your limitless compassion.” Whether you're in ministry, caregiving, or just the “strong friend” who everyone leans on, today is your invitation to unplug, rest, and reconnect with the One who never sleeps. God is the only one truly capable of caring for everyone—and that includes you. Join the Conversation:When was the last time you experienced compassion fatigue? What helped you get through it? Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let’s support each other in remembering that it’s okay to step back—and to lean into God’s everlasting care. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Compassion Fatigue  A devotional by Alexis A. Goring “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” — Psalm 145:9 NIV What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?  I remember when a minister friend of mine told me that when she feels overwhelmed by people’s issues, she unplugs from social media, turns off her phone and shuts down her computer to take a break from all of it. Soon after, I realized that she was describing compassion fatigue. According to Psychology Today, “People whose professions lead to prolonged exposure to other people’s trauma can be vulnerable to compassion fatigue, also known as secondary or vicarious trauma; they can experience acute symptoms that put their physical and mental health at risk, making them wary of giving and caring.” When you are a minister or professional counselor then compassion fatigue might be a common experience for you. However, I say that anybody who cares about people and wants to help fix problems can experience this kind of fatigue. Let’s face it: There are a lot of problems in our world and many people who need help solving issues and surviving the curveballs that life throws at them. God has gifted us with healthcare professionals who we can go to when we need help. But these talented people—as wonderful and effective as they may be—are only human. So that means even the most helpful professional has their limits.  As the type of person who is known to be the “strong” friend and who is often treated by people—even complete strangers—as a counselor, I know how compassion fatigue feels. I want to be there for everyone, and I do follow through on my promises to pray for people who need prayer support. But there are times when I feel stretched thin and overloaded with requests for help. So, like my minister friend, I also unplug from social media, turn off my computer, don’t touch the television or my phone, and try to take a break from the problems of the world. It is when you feel overwhelmed that you are reminded that you’re only human and cannot help everyone, every time. Compassion fatigue is real. But gratefully, we serve a God who never experiences this kind of fatigue nor will He ever because unlike us mere mortals, our Immortal God has no limits. His love for us endures forever and He always has a plan to save us. He is always available to listen to our pain and solve our problems 24/7/365 because the Bible says He never sleeps (Psalm 121:4)! Aren’t you glad we have this kind of help? Not only does God never feel fatigued, He never grows weary of hearing about our needs. The Bible says in Hebrews 4:16 (NLT), “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Whatever is on our hearts, God wants to hear it. Whatever is negatively affecting us, He wants to help. When the troubles of the world overwhelm us, there is a solution for that too because the Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV), “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  When we feel compassion fatigue, it is time to have a heart-to-heart with Jesus Christ. Practice casting your cares on Him like He tells you to do. There have been times in my life when I didn’t cast my cares on Jesus. Instead, I wo

Apr 14, 20256 min

Ask God for Everything

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6 When faced with a health scare, the author Michelle Lazurek found themselves in a place many of us know too well: praying out of desperation, but doubting deep down. Even though the words were spoken, the heart quietly assumed the worst. And yet, God still moved. This powerful reflection reminds us that God welcomes our prayers, even when our faith feels fragile. He wants us to ask—not just for small things, but for everything—and to ask with belief, not hesitation. God is not a genie to grant our wishes, but a loving Father who listens and responds in His perfect timing, for our ultimate good. When we choose to ask boldly and trust deeply, even in uncertain outcomes, our faith grows. And through that faith, we learn to see God not just as a helper in times of crisis, but as our true source of strength, peace, and satisfaction. 🙏 Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me come to You with every need—big or small. Teach me to ask without doubting and to trust Your plan, even when the outcome isn't what I expected. Grow my faith and make me confident in Your goodness.” 💬 Join the Conversation: Do you take everything to God in prayer? What holds you back from asking Him for your deepest needs?Share with us on social @LifeAudioNetwork or email us—we’d love to hear from you and encourage you! 🎙 SUBSCRIBE to Our New Show – YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER🌟 Don’t Miss Other Crosswalk Favorites – Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews 📜 Full Transcript Below: Ask God for Everything “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6 “Lord, please heal my body from this illness.” Because of some health issues that had required me to get blood drawn every month and see a doctor regularly, I was concerned about the state of my health. Because I took supplements, didn't smoke, didn't drink alcohol, and generally took care of myself, I believed the lie that I would live for a long time. After all, since I'd cared for my body so well, isn't that what I deserved? It wasn't until the doctor asked me to go for an ultrasound to screen for possible cancer that my whole world came to a screeching halt. I made the drive to the hospital to have the scan, and a myriad of thoughts flooded my mind. I began to picture my life with only limited time left. I started to think about everything I still wanted to do during my time on earth.  As I drove to the hospital, I uttered the above prayer. It was my Hail Mary prayer to ask God to turn things around. In my mind, I went to God for his help. But deep down in my heart, I doubted God could turn this around. I had already expected the worst test result. In my mind, I already expected the worst. Even though I didn't voice this to anyone, my doubts spoke extensively about my lack of faith in God. I trusted God for many things in life, but for my health, that was something else. Because I had just encountered several godly people who were struggling with their cancer journeys, I expected to be the next one in line. After all, if these godly people were struggling with cancer, what would make me think I would be off the hook?  The test results came back negative. I was elated. For the next few weeks, I spent every day praising the Lord. In my prayer time, I thanked him for allowing me not to have to deal with the trial of cancer. But I also praised him for moving on my behalf despite my lack of faith. Because in my mind, I prayed that prayer. But in my heart, I already assumed the worst. The above verse guides us on how to pray genuinely. Not only should we ask God for the big and the small things in life, but we must ask without any doubt. We must pray and believe that God will deliver on what he promised. We also must declare and believe that God’s plan is good regardless of the outcome. In our finite understanding of God, we often minimize God to a genie in a bottle.  If he doesn't do things our way, he isn't real.  But when we cling to God in desperation, God still wants us to pray and believe he will deliver. When we pray and not doubt, he increases our faith. It allows us to declare that God is good and that he will work out everything in his timing, not ours. Although it is not appropriate to demand from God luxuries like a fancy car or house, it is suitable for us to ask for anything in our hearts. Even if our desires are fleshly, God still chooses to respond. He wants us to come to him with unabashed faith. He wants us to ask and not doubt. When we doubt, it is like the above verse suggests. We are like waves tossed back and forth by the wind with no direction or real purpose. However, asking God for everything and declaring th

Apr 13, 20255 min

Feeling the Weight of Weakness

We all have days where we feel like we’ve hit a wall—emotionally, physically, or spiritually. In today’s devotional, Keri Eichberger opens up about those moments of exhaustion and inner conflict: when your soul wants to move, but your body and heart just can’t keep up. Is God calling us to push forward? Or is He inviting us to rest? The good news is—either way, He’s with us. Whether you’re taking a break on the bench or stepping back onto the field, God isn’t disappointed in your weakness. In fact, His power is made perfect in it. So let go of the guilt. Lay down the pressure. And lean into the truth that God loves you just the same, no matter what pace you’re moving at today. 🙏 Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me recognize your grace in my weakness. Whether I need rest or motivation today, let me move forward in peace knowing You are with me—always.” 💬 Join the Conversation: When have you felt the weight of weakness—and how did God show up in that moment?Share with us on social @LifeAudioNetwork or email us—we’d love to walk alongside you! 🎙 SUBSCRIBE to our New Show – YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER🌟 Explore More Crosswalk Podcasts – Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews 📜 Full Transcript Below This is the first one: Feeling the Weight of Weakness By Keri Eichberger But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9) I feel so weak today. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve journaled those exact words. I hate it though. There’s so much in my mind and heart to be done. But lately my body can’t seem to measure up to the expectations of my soul. Which has instigated a spiral of exhaustion and defeat. I want to move, and need to move—I think. But my lack of motivation and the dwindling of my energy is almost nauseating at times. A swelling sadness from disappointment that I can’t seem to rise to the occasion. I wonder how often you feel weak? Or if you’re feeling it today too? If you’re burned out from working too hard, exhausted from emotional overload, or worn down from stress or waiting for a change of circumstances. Whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, or even spiritual, an array of elements can drain us to debilitation. And what do you suppose God thinks about this? About the weakness we feel or are consumed by? I was wondering that this morning in contemplation of my struggle for strength. Questioning if he is looking down on me like a coach from the sidelines when a player falls down. Yelling, “Get up, you can do it! I’ve trained you for this. You can rest when the game is over. There’s help all around you.” Or on the flipside he could be saying, “You need to come out of the game. It’s time to rest. I’ve got this.” Honestly, sometimes I don’t know which it is, or what I should do. If I need to lay down, or gather myself and go. Well, what if either way, it’s okay? What if the coach would love and adore you no matter what? What if you fell, and he said, “Listen, you can stand up and get back in the game, or, you can sit on the bench as long as you need. Either way, I’m right beside you. Either way I’m always cheering you on, always your biggest fan, and always here to help you. Regardless, we will get the win. The outcome will be good.” It occurred to me that this is exactly what God thinks about my lack of motivation and energy. And yours, too. If we think we need to rest, we probably should. If we have the prompting to take certain steps forward, we probably should do that. No matter what we do or choose, God is with us, still loving us just the same, still loving us just as much. Regardless. Personally, this truth offers me so much relief in itself, and I desperately need to remember it. Especially when I feel the weight of weakness or even worry about my weakness. And if that’s you too, if you feel weak and then more weighed down by the weight of worry. Worry of the implications of your weakness. Worry about letting the world down or of letting God down—you can let that go. The world will keep moving. God keeps moving. And truly, only God’s opinion matters. And his acceptance of you is unconditional. Intersecting Faith and Life: 2 Corinthians 12:9 says that God’s grace is sufficient and that his power is made perfect in our weakness. When we are weak, he sufficiently supplies for us. Whether it is rest or a pep in our step he determines we need, it is perfect. He is perfect in our weakness. So today, whether you really need to rest, or you feel ready to move forward, whatever you prayerfully decide… It’s okay. God always supplies sufficient

Apr 12, 20255 min

An Alternative to Worry

Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages us to be anxious for nothing and to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving. We discuss the significance of choosing peace over worry, emphasizing that true tranquility comes from trusting God with our circumstances. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on how life's challenges can trigger anxiety, but through prayer and gratitude, we can access a peace that surpasses understanding. We’ll explore the practical steps to combat worry and how embracing God's promises can lead to a more fulfilling life. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you manage anxiety in your life? What role does prayer play in your journey toward peace? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage one another as we seek to live in God’s peace! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: An Alternative to WorryBy Kelly Balarie “Be anxious for nothing. But, in everything, with prayer and petition, and thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then, perfect peace which transcends understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV As I pulled into the airport, a sign caught my eye: “Terminal.” My heart sank. I was on my way to confront a challenging situation that felt overwhelmingly daunting—one of my greatest fears. That moment made me think, “Oh no, my situation is terminal.” I wondered if others felt the same way. Perhaps someone facing cancer treatment saw that sign and felt their heart drop. Or a parent visiting a child in rehab felt the weight of despair. Did they think, "This is it; everything is going wrong"? The sign seemed to herald panic and worry. Suddenly, I shifted into planning mode: how I would tackle the problem, what steps I would take to gain control. But I realized that my meticulous planning didn’t change the situation. God was reminding me that even when I think I’m in control, I truly am not. We often believe we can manage our lives, but sometimes life manages us. As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until life punches them in the face.” Are you facing a terminal situation in your life—financially, emotionally, or professionally? What do you do when you don’t know what to do? I’ve thought a lot about this, and I’ve come to see that God offers us a clear action plan: Choose Not to Be Anxious: Make a decisive choice to let go of worry. Repent and change your course the moment anxiety arises. Pray and Ask God: Bring your needs to Him. He invites us to share our requests. Express Gratitude: Thank God for hearing you, for knowing the best path, and for guiding you toward hope. When we do this, God steps in. He offers us perfect peace that transcends understanding. This peace shows us that we don’t need to grasp every detail of our problems. Worry is rooted in our limited understanding, while peace is a divine assurance that God is in control. We have a choice: we can worry and fret without Him, or we can pray and petition Him. One path leads to anxiety; the other leads to peace. Which will you choose? Intersecting Faith & Life:Peace is not something we have to fight for; it’s a gift from Jesus. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) How can you release the world's pressures and embrace the peace that Jesus offers? Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith and encouragement. You can follow her blog and discover more about her work on the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast. Kelly is also the author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Her insights have been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, and more. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Apr 11, 20256 min

The Reality of Invisible Protection

The powerful story from 2 Kings 6:15-17, where Elisha’s servant feels overwhelmed and vulnerable, surrounded by an enemy army. Elisha reassures him, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” When Elisha prays for the servant’s eyes to be opened, he sees God’s army of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them. We encourage you to pray, “Lord, please open my eyes and let me see,” asking God to reveal the ways He is providing for and protecting you. By recognizing this spiritual truth, we can find comfort and strength in our daily lives. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! When have you felt God’s protection in your life? How can you remind yourself of His presence during difficult times? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support each other in recognizing God’s unwavering protection! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Reality of Invisible Protectionby Deidre Braley 2 Kings 6:15-17:When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, please open his eyes and let him see.” So the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. There are times when I feel terribly vulnerable in this world, as though I’m walking about like a turtle without her shell. I feel alone and unprotected—and it feels like I could succumb to any number of bad circumstances. Perhaps you sometimes feel this way too. It doesn’t take much to inspire a sense of total panic these days; all we have to do is turn on the news and feel as though all of society is tailspinning. The servant of Elisha felt exactly this way when he woke up one morning only to find that the city where he and his master were staying—Dothan—was surrounded by horses, chariots, and a massive army. Elisha responded, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” I’m sure the servant thought Elisha was crazy—they were visibly outnumbered. But his perspective changed the moment Elisha prayed. “Lord, please open his eyes and let him see,” he said, and in that moment, the servant looked around to discover that their surroundings were filled with horses and chariots of fire (presumably from God’s army). This story is a stunning reminder that the spiritual world is an active reality—just as real as the floor at our feet or the mug in our hands. Much like Elisha’s servant, we often go about our days without seeing this spiritual world at play, but it doesn’t mean that it’s not there. Today—and whenever we feel particularly afraid or alone—may we remember to pray Elisha’s bold prayer over ourselves: “Lord, please open my eyes and let me see.” And then, may we discover all the ways in which God’s protection and provision are surrounding us now—and always have been. Further Reading: Daniel 10 Ephesians 6:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Apr 10, 20255 min

Purging Our Souls of This Common Anxiety Trigger

Ephesians 4:1-2, which urges us to live a life worthy of our calling. We discuss the importance of humility, patience, and love, as well as the necessity of shedding bitterness and anger. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on the journey of healing from anxiety and the transformative power of aligning our lives with biblical principles. We’ll delve into the process of understanding our emotions and reactions in light of Christ’s love and redemption. By recognizing our identity as chosen daughters and sons of God, we learn to respond to challenges with grace and strength rather than succumbing to negative feelings. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you process your emotions in a way that aligns with your faith? What practices help you maintain peace and joy in difficult situations? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we strive to live in the freedom Christ offers! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." — Ephesians 4:1-2, 31 After decades of living with frequent and intense anxiety, I’ve embarked on an equally intense healing journey that has deepened my appreciation for passages like today’s. I’ve long understood the spiritual importance of aligning my life with biblical principles like those listed in Ephesians 4. But I’ve only recently focused on the impact my obedience, or lack thereof, has on my peace and joy. In the past, when I read passages like today’s and compared them to my typical responses, I realized how short I fell from God’s desire. I’d then determine how I’d behave differently the next day, only to find myself pulled into anger or bitterness over some offense. I still recognize my need for growth. However, I now approach that growth differently. I’m learning to resist surface-level behavior modification and to seek Christ’s insights regarding why I reacted a certain way. What in my soul doesn’t align with His heart? More specifically, I’m learning how to process my emotions, thoughts, and experiences with God. I usually begin by reflecting upon the calling I’ve received—not just in terms of my role as a Christ-follower, but also as His chosen and empowered daughter. This inevitably leads my thoughts to the price Jesus paid for my redemption, which assures me of His inconceivable love for me despite my weaknesses and sin. While I sit in His presence, He reminds me who I am, soothing the lies and insecurities aggravated by the “offense” I received. This was often how Paul, the first-century church planter who wrote today’s passage, approached sin. He’d begin by reminding whomever he was addressing of who they were to Christ and in Christ. Through faith, Christ had broken every chain that previously held them bound. In his letter, Paul was teaching them how to live free. I’m learning that same lesson. The more I yield my soul to Christ, the less power others have over me and my emotions. When hurt, slighted, or mistreated, before we respond in kind, may we turn to Christ and sit in His presence, receive His comfort, seek His perspective, and draw from His strength. Further Reading: Psalm 119:143 Philippians 4:5-9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Apr 9, 20256 min

Stand in Awe of God

Psalm 33:8, which calls us to fear the Lord and stand in awe of Him. Whitney Hopler shares insights on the “overview effect” experienced by astronauts who see Earth from space, highlighting how it deepens their appreciation for God’s creation. This shift in perspective reminds us of the interconnectedness of humanity and the beauty of our planet. Whitney emphasizes that awe can shrink our worries and grow our faith. By intentionally seeking out experiences in nature—like watching a sunrise or hiking with friends—we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God. Sharing these experiences and stories of God’s work in our lives with others enriches our faith community and enhances our sense of awe. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! When was the last time you felt awe toward God? How do you seek out experiences that highlight His wonder? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s celebrate and worship our wonderful God together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Stand in Awe of GodBy Whitney Hopler “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!” (Psalm 33:8, ESV) Many astronauts who have spent time aboard the International Space Station describe a profound change in perspective when they look down on the earth. Suspended in the vastness of space, they see our planet as a stunning, interconnected home – a place where all of humanity lives together, sharing the same air, water, and sky. From that vantage point, national borders disappear, conflicts seem small, and the beauty of God’s creation takes center stage. What they describe is something that scientists call the “overview effect.” It’s a shift in focus that happens when someone sees the earth from space. They can see the awe-inspiring beauty of this world God has created. They notice how the vast stretches of land and water are connected. This feeling of awe has led some astronauts to spiritual experiences that have helped them connect with God. Even though most of us will never travel to space, we can experience a similar sense of awe. The same God who made the stars and galaxies also designed the intricate details of our daily surroundings. When we take the time to recognize this, we naturally feel a sense of awe. Psalm 33:8 encourages everyone to fear God and to stand in awe of Him. God has filled this world with glimpses of His glory, from the night sky to the delicate details of a butterfly’s wings. God invites us to slow down and be amazed by who He is. Awe is a powerful emotion. It reminds us that we’re small yet deeply loved by a big God who is infinitely greater than we can understand. When we stand in awe of God, we can notice His wonderful presence, which shrinks our worries and grows our faith. We can feel more awe by intentionally pursuing God’s wonder in our daily lives. One way is to step outside and immerse ourselves in His creation. Go for a walk at sunrise, marvel at a towering tree, or stargaze with family. Sharing these experiences with others enhances our sense of wonder and helps us reflect on God’s work in our lives. God is always revealing His wonder. Let’s pause, notice, and respond with awe that motivates us to celebrate and worship our wonderful God! Intersecting Faith & Life: When was the last time you felt a deep sense of awe toward God? What experience led you to feel that? How can you intentionally seek out experiences that help you recognize God’s wonder around you? Who in your life can you invite to join you in experiencing and talking about God’s wonder? What stories of God’s wonder have you experienced recently that you can share with others? How does standing in awe of God affect your perspective on your life each day? Further Reading: Habakkuk 3:2 Proverbs 9:10 Psalm 65:8 Psalm 111:10 Job 37:14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Apr 8, 20256 min

God Is Good

Proverbs 3:5, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not rely on our own understanding. Kelly Balarie shares her personal journey of prayer and the challenges that arise when we feel overwhelmed or confused during spiritual moments. We discuss the powerful truth that God’s ways surpass our comprehension, emphasizing that His goodness remains unchanged, even when we struggle to understand our circumstances. Kelly reflects on a transformative prayer experience with friends that revealed how often we misattribute our struggles to God, instead of recognizing the enemy's schemes. Through the story of Job, we learn that God allows trials not as punishment but as opportunities for growth and strength. In every situation, God’s plans are ultimately for our good. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What have you blamed on God that may have been a scheme of the devil? How has this affected your faith? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support each other as we navigate our faith journeys! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Full Transcript Below: God is GoodBy Kelly Balarie “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5 NLT) My friends were praying for me... And here’s the funny thing: as they were praying, I couldn’t quite figure out how to be. In times of deep prayer, I aim to open my heart and believe with my soul, as if I have something to do with what’s happening. So, that’s what I did in this instance. However, I couldn’t help but notice all the gold-weighted words in this prayer; they were substantial. Would I remember everything? Was I grasping it all? I wasn’t so sure; they were speaking fast. I tried to command myself to remember. I wanted to process their words. I wanted to write it down. Could I tell them to slow down? Have you ever experienced pressure amid powerful prayers? Now, in retrospect, and with some distance between that prayer-time and this moment, I see things more clearly. I realize that prayer led by the Holy Spirit sometimes absolutely will surpass our natural mind. The truth is — we don’t have to conceive everything to receive everything. God’s ways are not our ways. Neither should we expect to lean on our own understanding. God’s Spirit is good and effective even if our mind feels confused or out of order. It doesn’t matter so much if we understand or not; God is still God and God is still good! God is good to work, even when our mind doesn’t work. God is good and faithful, even when we can’t perfectly dissect or understand all His work. God is good to help us, even when we can’t help ourselves. God is good to provide grace even when we can’t figure out how we are remotely worthy of receiving it. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Prov. 3:5 NLT) So, in that moment with my friends, I abandoned my understanding and opened my heart to receive what God was doing via the Holy Spirit. “Kelly,” my friends addressed me during this prayer time, “The devil had a plan to attack and devour you all throughout your life, but God had a plan to save you and keep you!” God won. Suddenly a light bulb went off in my head. Oh. My! Something hit me: I have been blaming God for what were premeditated attacks of the enemy on my life. As if God was the punisher. As if God was doing all this to me. As if God set up hit jobs and sinkholes for me to fall into. God is good. Just because I can’t understand those things, doesn’t mean that negates God’s goodness. In the book of Job, the devil goes to the throne of God and God suggests His son Job for trial. Does this mean that God isn’t good? No. It means that God believes in Job to stand firm and to stand strong even under attack. In the end, God more than blessed Job. God’s plans are not for evil; they are always for good. Even when we can’t understand. Intersecting Faith & Life: What have you blamed on God that may have been a scheme of the devil? How has it created bitterness or anger at God? How has it prevented you from believing that God really loves you? Perhaps, ask God to forgive you for the bitter root that you have allowed to form in your heart. Further Reading:Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. Her work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant, and Today’s Christian Woman. Discover more Chr

Apr 7, 20255 min

Shameless Audacity

Luke 11:8, where Jesus teaches us about the power of persistent prayer and the importance of approaching God with shameless audacity. Reflecting on personal experiences, we discuss how our early prayer lives can sometimes feel transactional—like using God as a vending machine. As we grow in faith, we learn that God desires a deeper relationship with us, encouraging us to ask not only for our needs but also for the big desires hidden in our hearts. We share a testimony of how boldly asking God for a writing opportunity led to unexpected blessings, illustrating His goodness and generosity. We’ll also touch on the balance between desire and contentment, reminding ourselves that while God wants us to ask for good gifts, we must trust in His sovereign will, even when the answer is no. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What is one thing you want to ask God for but are too afraid to? How can you take a step to increase your faith in asking? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage each other as we grow in our prayer lives! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Full Transcript Below: Shameless Audacity “I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity, he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.” (Luke 11:8) “God, help me get a good grade on my test.” When I was young, I prayed very little. I often only talked to the Lord when I needed something. I would sometimes test God, not study for a test, and then see if he would help me pull through. Sometimes he did; sometimes he didn't. I used God like a genie in a bottle. Like a vending machine, I put in my 2 quarters of prayer, pulled the lever, and hoped to get a prize. Once I became a born-again Christian and yielded to the Lord, I quickly realized that my prayer life was shallow. If I wanted to have a deeper relationship with the Lord, I couldn't pray only for what I wanted. In my early years of Christianity, I avoided asking God for anything. I lived in fear that I would treat him again like I had when I was a little kid. I only prayed for other people and their needs, neglecting my own. In my quiet time, God whispered to my heart. He challenged me to stop putting him in a box. He reminded me of the above verse, where the person who asked his friend for a loaf of bread kept knocking and asking until the man got out of bed and gave him what he wanted. God does not intentionally withdraw his good gifts from his children. But he does want us to ask. Not only does God want us to ask for little things, but he also wants us to ask for the big things. Recently, I asked God to move in my writing career. I asked him to allow his favor to grant me a contract with a publisher. It was a long shot. Because I had no working relationship with this publisher, the chances were not in my favor that they would grant me a contract. Then I asked anyway. I've seen God work in my life too often to ignore that He is a miracle worker. Just when I had given up hope that this would come to pass, I received an email with an offer from that publisher. I was elated. No longer had I treated God like a genie in a bottle. I asked him for big things, but I was also content if he chose not to give them to me. Because it was a selfish desire, I was afraid to ask because I didn't want to only use God for selfish desires. However, God, in his goodness, still gives us good gifts even if we've become distant from him or have sin that blocks us from knowing Him intimately. God wants to give good gifts to his children. But he wants us to pray earnestly, balancing desire and contentment. It's normal to have desires and enjoy things in life. We must also be content and trust that God's will is sovereign. If God wants us to have it, he will grant it. But there are times when we ask for things where God says no. In these moments, we must remain content that God's will is sufficient for us even when we don't understand. He chose not to grant that selfish desire. Reflect on your prayer life. Do you come to God only when you need him? Do you take time to praise him for who he is? Do you have time to thank him for all the wonderful blessings in your life? Do you bask in God’s presence and sovereignty? Do you see your relationship with God as a gift, or do you see him as a vending machine? Take a bold risk. Ask God faithfully for his provision. In faith, ask him for the big things in life that lie hidden in your heart. Let the Lord decide if your desire is one he wants to grant. You may be surprised that he grants more in your life than you realize. Father, let us approach you with shameless audacity. Let us ask not only about the small things but also about the big things in life. When we get what we ask for, let us bask in your glory. Let us also remain content when you choose not to grant our req

Apr 6, 20255 min

Knowing the Wise Choice

Proverbs 9:10, emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We discuss the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, highlighting how true understanding comes from applying our knowledge through godly choices. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on the journey of a passionate young believer eager to deepen his biblical knowledge for the sake of evangelism. We’ll explore why wisdom matters in our daily lives and how it enables us to make choices that honor God, leading to fulfillment and purpose. By soaking our minds in Scripture and our hearts in prayer, we can trust our instincts as they align with God’s guidance. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you differentiate between knowledge and wisdom in your life? What practices help you cultivate wisdom? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we strive to live wisely! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Knowing the Wise Choice and Living Wisely By Keri Eichberger The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight. (Proverbs 9:10 AMP) I’ve been undeservingly blessed with a Jesus loving son. And I’ll gratefully admit, this is the greatest gift a parent could ask for. In fact, all five of my kids claim to truly love the Lord. But my son specifically has been going on and on lately about his passion to gain biblical knowledge. Claiming he wants to know more, so he can share more. To disciple the lost. To evangelize and save souls. And what an admirable desire no doubt. But something started to strike me along his mission for knowledge, that I couldn’t help but ever so tenderly approach him with my observation. It was this: knowledge is necessary, but it is wisdom that gives understanding and life to the information we consume. Wisdom means so much more. Wisdom helps us make choices with what we know. Knowledge without wise choice and action may get us nowhere.   Not so coincidentally, our church began a sermon series on wisdom at the introduction of Will’s newfound passion. Of course he was beyond excited, under the assumption that wisdom equals knowledge, while I was excited for his opportunity to begin understanding the difference allowing him to better live out his calling. I was also looking forward to growing in my own understanding, so before the series took off, a quick Google search landed me on a helpful perspective of differences. Crossway.com shared:  “‘knowledge’ tends to focus on correct understanding of the world and oneself as creatures of the magnificent and loving God, while ‘wisdom’ is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge rightly, or ‘skill in the art of godly living’.” I found this very insightful. And considering I’ve valued wisdom more and more as I’ve grown  in faith, and the Bible devotes an entire book to the subject in the book of Proverbs, I suppose we should probably all have our ears perked and eager to dive into the importance of wisdom.  But why should wisdom really matter so much?  In general, I believe as christians we want to gain wisdom, apply “godly” knowledge rightly, and make wise “godly” choices, because this is how we honor and glorify God. But on a personal level I’ve noticed, making wise godly choices, choices in line with God’s plan for our lives, opens the door to fruitfulness and fulfillment. And don’t we all deeply desire the purpose that comes from fruitfulness and fulfillment in our lives? I sure do. Well, how exactly do we walk in wisdom? How can we be confident we are making wise choices that lead to glorifying God, to fruitfulness, and fulfillment? I bet you’ve wondered what choice to make or path to take at some point. Yes? We might be all filled up on facts and knowledge, but sometimes we question how to apply it to our specific seasons or situations.  In between the two sermons on wisdom, our pastor released a podcast to dive into some specifics of what wisdom looks like when lived out. And there was something said in regards to our ability to make wise choices that sat with me. It was along these lines: “You should know the wise choice to make when your mind is soaked in scripture and your heart is soaked in prayer. In which case, follow your gut, because it is God who has formed your gut.” I absolutely love this. Keep in mind this is not just a worldly instruction to follow your gut. But, when God’s word is filling our head, and when we have connection and communion with him in our hearts, we can trust the choices the spirit lays on us

Apr 5, 20256 min

Resting in God's Care

In this episode, we explore Hebrews 13:5, which reminds us to keep our lives free from the love of money and to find contentment in God's unwavering presence. We discuss how challenging it can be to feel secure and content during turbulent times, especially when unexpected financial pressures arise. Drawing from the experiences of early Christians facing persecution, we reflect on the importance of trusting in God's promises and how His presence brings power, provision, and peace. We'll also look at Old Testament examples that illustrate God’s faithfulness, and share practical steps for deepening our relationship with Him during difficult seasons. Learn how to overcome feelings of doubt and anxiety by focusing on the truths of God’s character and past faithfulness. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How do you cultivate contentment in your life? What strategies help you remember God’s faithfulness during tough times? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage each other as we navigate our faith journeys together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Transcript: Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (NIV) For me, it’s easiest to feel content when I’m in a financially secure place. I find this much more challenging when my life feels topsy-turvy, upside down, and unexpected bills flood my mailbox. That’s when I most need to remember, and hold tight to, the second half of today’s verse. God Almighty, my ever-present help in times of need and victorious Savior, remains with me, always. This was an important truth the author of Hebrews knew first-century Christ followers needed to read. Scholars believe this letter was written sometime between 64-69 AD, during the reign of Emperor Nero, a horrifically cruel and insane leader who used a fire in Rome to launch a violent, government-led persecution against Christians. Meaning, these men and women weren’t just losing jobs and property, and therefore experiencing intense financial insecurity, but also feared imprisonment and death. Those are not circumstances in which one expects to experience contentment—especially if they feel abandoned and alone. It’s easy to feel that way when we land in a crisis, and those seasons are also when the devil, the enemy of our souls, attacks us with his lies. We fend off his attacks by turning to God, recognizing and resting in His presence, and thinking deeply on His truth. For me, this means reading passages that have strengthened my soul, journaling on them, and reflecting upon what those passages reveal regarding God’s heart, power, unchanging character, and past faithfulness—in Scripture and my life personally. The men and women reading the letter our Bibles call Hebrews had a thorough knowledge of Old Testament history. They knew how the Lord had rescued their people from 400 years of slavery and oppression in Egypt. They remembered how He’d led their ancestors through the wilderness for forty years, and how He’d revealed His presence through a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. They also knew about all the miraculous ways He’d provided for them during that time, by raining sweet wafers called manna from the sky, sending them enough quail to feed all 2 million-plus of them, and causing water to gush from a rock—again, enough for all of them and their animals. Granted, their overwhelming circumstances might have caused them to temporarily lose sight of these events. Even so, I’m certain the words in today’s verse would’ve immediately turned their thoughts to that pivotal period in their nation’s history. You see, the person writing the letter quoted from Deuteronomy 31, which recorded the time when Moses, the man God used to liberate His people and lead them from Egypt to the land He promised, handed off leadership to his prodigy, Joshua. At that point, the emerging nation had spent 40 years wandering through the near eastern desert due to their parents’ stubborn lack of faith, and the children, now adults, were about to enter the land first promised to a patriarch named Abraham. Moses, who’d long functioned as the mediator between God and the people, would soon die. They had reached the very place in the journey where their parents became paralyzed in fear and refused the abundant gift God planned for them. This would’ve been an exciting, anxiety-producing, and hope-igniting time for the ancient Hebrews. Listen to how the Lord prepared them for the massive step of faith ahead of them. In Deuteronomy 31:6, He said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for th

Apr 4, 20256 min

The God Who Restores Withered Things

In this episode, we address the challenging emotions that come with doubt and uncertainty in our faith journeys. Using the biblical story of Jeroboam from 1 Kings 13, we explore how God offers restoration even when we stray from His path. It's natural to question and seek understanding during difficult times. We'll discuss practical steps for navigating these feelings, how to find hope and reassurance in God's promises, and the incredible truth that He desires to heal and restore us, no matter our past. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How do you handle moments of doubt in your faith? What helps you regain confidence in God? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we seek answers and strengthen our faith together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Transcript: The God Who Restores Withered Thingsby Deidre Braley 1 Kings 13:6: “Then the king responded to the man of God, ‘Plead for the favor of the Lord your God and pray for me so that my hand may be restored to me.’ So the man of God pleaded for the favor of the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him and became as it had been at first.” On the day that the prophet Ahijah anointed a man named Jeroboam as the future king of Israel, he gave him this promise from the Lord: “...if you obey all I command you, walk in my ways, and do what is right in my sight in order to keep my statutes and commands as my servant David did, I will be with you. I will build you a lasting dynasty just as I built for David, and I will give you Israel” (1 Kings 11:38). But Jeroboam—much like most of Israel’s poorly behaved and ill-fated monarchy—did not walk in God’s ways. He committed idolatry by setting up new places to worship aside from the temple in Jerusalem, and he appointed people who were not Levites (God’s chosen priesthood) to be priests over the high places, instead (1 Kings 12:25-31). One day, another prophet came to Jeroboam while he was burning incense at one of his altars. The man said, “Altar, altar, this is what the Lord says, ‘A son will be born to the house of David, named Josiah, and he will sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who are burning incense on you” (1 Kings 13:1-2). Incensed by this judgment, Jeroboam reached out his hand and cried, “Arrest him” (1 Kings 13:4)! But when he did, his hand became withered, and he couldn’t move it (1 Kings 13:4). Horrified, he asked the prophet to plead with God for his hand to be restored. The prophet did, and Jeroboam’s hand was immediately restored to its former state (1 Kings 13:6). This narrative is so much more than a simple Bible story stating the facts. No—what happened with Jeroboam’s hand was an intentional message from the Lord himself. By restoring Jeroboam’s withered hand immediately upon his turning to him, it was as though God was extending an amazing invitation: Turn back to me, and I will restore things back to wholeness. Though you’ve messed everything up, I will fix it all. Intersecting Faith & LifeHow often do we mess things up and then—either because we think God is angry with us or because we think we’re too far gone—we don’t turn back for God to heal us? God had promised Jeroboam everything that a king could desire: his presence, a kingdom, and a lasting dynasty. All that he asked in return was for Jeroboam’s obedience. And while Jeroboam couldn’t even give him that, God sent him a message through the healing of his withered hand that said, There’s still time for you to obey. I still want to heal you—just come back. See, our God isn’t a God who just tosses us out after we’ve made a mistake. Rather, he’s a God who pursues us, again and again, and urges us to come home, obey his good directions, and be healed and whole. So today, if you’re feeling as though you’ve wandered away from God—either intentionally or unintentionally—and you want to be healed and whole, don’t turn away from him in shame. Rather, turn towards his arms and run—and watch how he’ll heal you. Further Reading Luke 15:11-32 Isaiah 57:14-19   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Apr 3, 20255 min

Fulfilling God's Mission for Your Life

In this episode, we explore the urgency of fulfilling God’s mission for your life, reflecting on Job 14:5 and the call to live each day to its fullest. Lynette Kittle emphasizes how our time is limited, urging us to share the Gospel with those around us. Drawing inspiration from Jesus' example and the film The Blues Brothers, we discuss what it means to be on a divine mission. Discover how to recognize and embrace your calling as a fragrant aroma of Christ in the world. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! Have you considered that God has a mission for your life? How can you be a light to those around you? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage one another to live purposefully! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Fulfilling God’s Mission for Your Life By Lynette Kittle “A person’s days are determined; You have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed”-- Job 14:5 How many messages do we receive each day through the media, texts, online, and in emails telling us that “Time is running out” on the latest offer or opportunity? There’s an urgency attached to it, along with the fear of it being too late to receive. Immediately upon taking office, the United States’ 47th President, Donald Trump, hit the floor running in his presidency, signing executive orders and working to right wrongs as he saw it, at a very fast pace.  After surviving an assassination attempt, he doesn’t seem to be wasting any time, seemingly understanding like never before that every day and every minute count. It seems like he is on a mission, trying to right as many wrongs as he can and accomplish it as quickly as possible before time runs out. As well, with our country recently witnessing the sudden, horrific aircraft crashes, we see the reality of how quickly lives can be lost bringing the reality that today is the time for each of us, and God calls us to live each day, each moment, to the fullest, whether it’s caring for our families, serving in a ministry, or being a light in our workplace or community. Like the President’s rush to action, along with the tragic air crashes, it’s a reminder to Christians to reevaluate how we look at the immediacy of presenting the Gospel to those around us. None of us know how much time anyone has left on earth and how long we’ll have the opportunity to share the love of God before leaving this earth. Because we don’t know, 2 Timothy 4:2 urges, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” Daily Fulfilling His Calling Jesus demonstrated what it means to live each day to the fullest knowing His death on the cross was imminent. He knew His days would end in walking the earth and that He needed to accomplish all that God had called Him to do within the time He had given. In John 17:4, Jesus said, “I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do.” Unlike Jesus, there is often a lack of urgency on Christians’ behalf, thinking there is plenty of time to tell others up the road when they have more time, but do they consider, do we consider, how all our missions on earth have time limits? Jesus knew His did and we are wise to consider ours do, too. No Time to Waste In the classic musical action film, “The Blues Brothers,” the lead characters, brothers Elwood and Jake, believed they were on a mission for God. Because they believed God had called them to save the orphanage they grew up in, and time was short, nothing could deter them from accomplishing their goal. What would happen if each of us, as a believer in Jesus Christ, believed as sincerely as they did, that we, too, are each on a mission for God? Although we don’t want to follow their example in breaking the law to accomplish it, their commitment and determination to not be stopped is inspiring; of not letting the roadblocks in life and the opposition keep us from fulfilling God’s call in our lives. Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth, and whether we realize it or not, we have been given a mission, too: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). What Is Our Mission? How do we know what our mission is and how to accomplish it?  Jesus explained in Mark 16:15, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” Whether we travel across the oceans to a foreign land or stay in our hometown, God calls us to be a fragrant reminder of Him wherever we go. As 2 Corinthians 2:14 describes, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in t

Apr 2, 20257 min

Jesus Calls Your Name

In this episode, we dive into John 20:11-16, where Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus. Overwhelmed by grief and confusion, she initially fails to recognize Him. We reflect on our own struggles with loss and the longing for answers, and how Jesus gently calls us by name, transforming our sorrow into joy and despair into hope. Discover the profound truth that Jesus knows you personally and is always present, waiting for you to recognize Him. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! When have you felt like Mary, overwhelmed and searching for answers? Have you ever missed God's presence in your life? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we seek to recognize Jesus in our lives! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Jesus Calls Your NameBy Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).” — John 20:11-16, NIV This scene after Jesus’ resurrection shows Mary Magdalene overwhelmed by sadness, confused by circumstances, and searching for answers. How often have you found yourself feeling the same way in a painful situation? You pour out your heart to God, and maybe even direct your frustration at Him. Just like Mary, you can also feel lost and abandoned, wondering where God is in the middle of your suffering. Mary is focused on her loss. She’s looking for a body – a tangible reminder of someone she loved. She’s so consumed by her grief that she misses the most extraordinary truth standing right in front of her. She sees Jesus, but fails to recognize Him. She mistakes Him for the gardener of the area near His tomb. When have you looked for God but not found Him in the way you expected? When have you been surprised to find God’s presence close to you, in a way you didn’t expect? Jesus doesn’t reveal His identity in a dramatic flash of glory. He doesn’t rebuke Mary for her lack of recognition, either. Jesus simply speaks her name: “Mary.” When Jesus says that single word, everything changes. It’s the voice Mary knows – the voice that spoke life into her soul, the voice that called her out of darkness into light. It’s the voice of hope! That single word has tremendous power. It cuts through the fog of grief and misunderstanding as it reminds Mary that her Creator knows her personally and loves her completely. She turns with this new perspective and cries out, “Rabboni!” Mary’s cry of recognition is full of love and joy. As she hears Jesus call her, and as she calls back to Him, the reality of the resurrection crashes over her. Jesus is alive, and He is right there with her, personally! This passage isn’t just about Mary. It’s about each of us – including you. Jesus knows your name. He knows your hopes, your dreams, and your joys. He also knows your struggles, your sorrows, and your fears. He sees you in all of life’s ups and downs. He knows every detail of your life at all times. He knows what you’re thinking and feeling – and He cares. Jesus constantly calls you by name, speaking words of loving hope over your life. He calls you to turn to Him, to recognize Him, and to experience the wonder of connecting with Him. Just as Mary’s perception was changed by the sound of Jesus’ voice, yours can be, as well. When you hear Jesus call your name – when you recognize that Jesus is right there with you in all circumstances – your confusion can turn into understanding, your sadness can change into joy, and your despair can be replaced by hope. Jesus calls you to move away from the tomb of your distance from Him and embrace the reality that He is right there with you personally, ready to give you hope! Intersecting Faith and Life: When have you felt like Mary, overwhelmed by grief and searching for answers? Have you ever missed noticing God’s presence in your life because you were looking for Him in the wrong places? How does the knowledge that Jesus knows your name personally affect your

Apr 1, 20256 min

Ask for Good Gifts

In today’s devotional, we explore Matthew 7:11, which reminds us of God’s incredible generosity. We reflect on personal experiences of growing up with a mindset of earning everything and how that can shape our understanding of God’s gifts. We discuss the importance of accepting God’s good gifts without feeling the need to earn them, recognizing that He delights in blessing us simply because we are His children. Learn to increase your faith and trust that God wants to shower you with blessings! Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! Do you try to earn good gifts from God? How can you accept God’s good gifts without feeling like you need to work for them? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another in embracing God’s generosity! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Ask for Good Gifts Bible Reading:“If you, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” — Matthew 7:11 Growing up, I worked for everything I had. Rarely did my parents give me something for free. When I reached my teen years and was old enough to get a job, I'd pay for anything I wanted out of pocket. My parents didn't just give me luxuries in life; I had to earn them. I paid out of pocket for every prom dress and every Driver's Ed course. When I became a born-again Christian at 18, this affected how I saw God and His generosity. Because I didn't have parents who just handed me money, I often felt I had to work to gain God's approval and good gifts. In one of our first churches, we led a small group. One day, before the holidays, we discussed some of our childhood gifts that we never received but wanted. I remarked that I always wanted an Easy Bake Oven. Although my parents were generous during Christmas, there were some gifts I never received. The Easy Bake Oven was one of them. After we resumed the group after the holidays, the group handed me a gift. When I unwrapped it, it was the Easy Bake Oven! It made me feel incredibly loved, and I was glad my group went out of its way to present me with a gift I had always wanted. In that moment, I understood God's generosity a little better. Although I work for luxuries in life, this is something I still struggle with today. I still hesitate to ask Him for the big requests in life. One day, in my quiet time, God whispered to my heart: “You wait for the other shoe to drop.” That convicted me deep down in my soul. It was true. When I received something good, I always waited for the subsequent lousy thing to happen. I never realized how much this skewed my worldview of God, but it did. I was trying to earn those good gifts in life yet again. The above verse speaks to God's generosity. As a parent, I love watching my kids open gifts on Christmas, or the look on their faces when we give them a gift simply because of who they are. My heart leaps with joy when I watch my children enjoy a good gift. It’s the same with the Lord. He delights in giving His children good gifts. He does not expect us to earn them, as there's nothing we can do to earn God's love, approval, or salvation. God delights in watching us get something we always wanted. God’s generosity knows no bounds. We cannot outgive God. What we give out of obedience to others, God can triple, quadruple, or even provide a hundredfold more than we can ever give. Furthermore, He already gave His ultimate sacrifice: His life for our sins. I'll never be able to match that level of generosity. Do you try to work for the good gifts in life as well? Do you tend to minimize your prayer requests simply because you fear the other shoe dropping? Increase your faith today and trust that God wants to give you good gifts simply because you are His child. There's nothing you can do to earn those good gifts. Accept God's good gifts (including salvation), knowing that God delights in giving these good gifts to you. God delights in giving good gifts to His children. Because you are His child, you are one of His greatest gifts. God delights in you, too. Prayer:Father, allow us to accept Your good gifts every day. Let us not try to earn our way to Your good gifts. Let us instead accept those good gifts, knowing that You delight in giving them. Let us pay forward Your generosity as we give sacrificially to others. Amen. Intersecting Faith and Life: Do you try to earn good gifts from God? How can you accept God’s good gifts without earning them? Further Reading: James 1:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 31, 20254 min

When God Walks into Your Life

In this uplifting devotional, we explore the powerful truth that when people walk out of our lives, God walks in. Using Deuteronomy 31:8 as a foundation, we reflect on how God is always present, offering support, love, and healing even in our darkest moments. We discuss how Jesus empathizes with our struggles and invites us to maintain an open line of communication with Him. Experience the transformative power of God’s presence in your life, and discover how He can turn your brokenness into beauty. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How does it feel to know that when people walk out of your life, God walks in and rescues you? Will you trust Jesus Christ to be your light in the darkness? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we grow in faith! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: When God Walks into Your LifeA devotional by Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV Years ago, I heard someone say, “When people walk out, God walks in!” I have found that statement to be true because I’ve seen how sometimes, you may be too much for people, but you’re never too much for God! He never tires of hearing from you and is always willing to help. The song “God You Are” by We Are Messengers speaks about how God steps into our dark places in life to help us. He’s not afraid of what intimidates and devastates us and repels others. Not at all! The Bible says Jesus Christ is always with us (Matthew 28:20) and He has overcome the world (John 16:33). This means that absolutely nothing, human-made or supernatural, frightens our Savior. He’s fearless! And He’s able to save us from anything and everything. Jesus understands the human condition. That’s why He left the perfection of Heaven and stepped into our imperfect world darkened by sin (John 3:16-17). The Bible says He’s acquainted with our grief and pain (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus knows and empathizes deeply with everything we go through because He became human and walked on this Earth for 33 years. The last three years of His life were spent in public ministry to the masses. People sought Him out for healing and hope. And Jesus faithfully, compassionately, and effectively met their every need. Our Savior is living forever, serving as our High Priest in Heaven (Hebrews 4:14-16), and He still heals us on Earth today! We can go to Jesus in prayer and ask Him for anything and everything we need. He’s also here to listen to our heartache. He loves it when we keep an open line of communication with Him, day-in and day-out, talking to Him like our Best Friend about everything on our hearts. Nothing is too big or too small to bring to God in prayer. He loves you with all His heart and wants to hear from you and be there for you. I learned this Biblical truth firsthand because God was with me in one of the darkest seasons of my life. When I experienced a major health crisis that pushed people away because they were afraid of what I was going through, God stepped into my dark time and shone the Light of Jesus Christ into my soul. Just like the Bible says in Psalm 40:1-2 (NIRV), God heard my cry for help. I was sliding down into the pit of death, and He pulled me out. He brought me up out of mud and dirt and set my feet on a rock, giving me a firm place to stand. God didn’t just rescue and restore me; He secured my position in His Kingdom and gave me strength to make it through my trials. When people walked out of my life, God walked in, transforming me from the inside out and renewing Christ’s place in my heart. Now the light of Jesus Christ that shines through me draws people, replacing the darkness that once repelled them. That’s the beauty of what happens when you give your life to Christ and let Him into your heart. He transforms you and reaches the people around you with the good news that He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6). When people can see Jesus in you, it makes them want to know Him for themselves. God can take the broken pieces that Satan left behind when he tried to destroy you and make masterpieces out of your brokenness. Fern Bernstein, an author, said, “Only God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph, a victim into a victor.” I have found that saying to be completely true because that’s what God did for me, and I see how He’s done it for so many others—people who I don’t know who are famous and those who I do know personally in everyday life away from the spotlight and world stage. I hope today’s message has encouraged your heart and reminded you that no matter how

Mar 30, 20257 min

Believing Even When We Are Afflicted

Episode Summary:In this episode, we address the challenging emotions that come with doubt and uncertainty in our faith journeys. It’s natural to question and seek understanding, especially during difficult times. We’ll explore biblical examples of doubt, practical steps for navigating these feelings, and how to find hope and reassurance in God’s promises even when our faith feels shaky. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How do you handle moments of doubt in your faith? What helps you regain confidence in God? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we seek answers and strengthen our faith together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Believing, Even When We Are AfflictedBy Sarah Frazer Bible Reading:"I believed, even when I said, 'I am severely afflicted.'" — Psalm 116:10 (HCSB) One day, when my son was only eight years old, he was walking our dog down the street. Usually, the dog is pretty calm and doesn’t pull the leash. That day, my son wasn’t even gone for five minutes before I heard a scream. When I looked out the window, I saw him running back toward the house. The dog was pulling frantically on the leash to go back down the street. After my son entered the house, I bent down and examined him. He was bleeding on his knee and his t-shirt was ripped. He was crying and holding his arm as well. As I cared for his cuts and bruises, he told me that the normally calm dog had seen a squirrel. I knew then what had caused the fall. Although a quiet and sweet dog, she had made it her life mission to rid the world of squirrels. That day we decided that he might be too young to walk the dog until she either calmed down or he was stronger. Through all of the confusion, I realized something. My son had come to me right away after falling. He wasn’t angry with me; in fact, after taking that horrible spill, he ran directly to me. As I thought about that simple act from my son, I couldn’t help but think about God. Throughout scripture, we see God reference Himself as “father” to us. In Psalm 116 today, we see the psalmist run to God, even when he is afflicted. Psalm 116 starts out with, “I love the Lord because He has heard my appeal for mercy.” God’s ear is turned toward us. Just as my ears heard right away the scream from outside, I knew the sound of my son’s cries and immediately went toward him. You and I face devastating trials and afflictions year after year. Maybe you are in a season right now where one affliction after another seems to be piling up. It would be easy to avoid God during these times or even be angry with Him. What if, instead, we ran to God? Over the years, I’ve learned that running to God is actually the best thing I can do. Why? Because His ears are listening for our prayers and cries to Him. The next verses in Psalm 116 detail how the psalmist suffered, even facing death, but God was his helper. I love verse ten because it seems to be the pinnacle of the psalm. He says, “I believed, even when I said, ‘I am severely afflicted.’” What the psalmist is saying is that he did not shy away from telling God all about his afflictions. The pain did not keep him from crying out to God. And the heartache didn’t keep him from believing in God either. There are truths here that the psalmist hung onto, even when he was afflicted. The truths we see here are God’s grace, righteousness, and compassion (Psalm 116:5). Where do we see those characteristics of God in our lives today? Jesus! Jesus was God’s righteousness for us. He lived a perfect life because we could not. He allowed His life to take our place so that when God sees you and me, He sees Jesus’ righteousness. Jesus is also God’s grace to us. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” Jesus brought grace because He died on the cross, taking our place and punishment for us. Now, we are saved and brought into God’s family through grace once we accept Him as Savior. God’s compassion is also evident in Jesus’ life. Jesus healed the sick, cured the lame, and even raised people from the dead. It says in Matthew 20:34, “Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they could see, and they followed Him.” Even today, Jesus sits on the throne beside God interceding for us. Romans 8:34 says, “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.” What compassion to think that Christ is always praying and speaking to God the Father about you and me! The troubles and hardships we

Mar 29, 20258 min

What to Do When You Doubt God

We address the challenging emotions that come with doubt and uncertainty in our faith journeys. It’s natural to question and seek understanding, especially during difficult times. We’ll explore biblical examples of doubt, practical steps for navigating these feelings, and how to find hope and reassurance in God’s promises even when our faith feels shaky. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you handle moments of doubt in your faith? What helps you regain confidence in God? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we seek answers and strengthen our faith together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: What to Do When You Doubt God By Vivian Bricker “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6 Although many Christians will adamantly deny they have ever doubted God, most of us have. If we are being realistic and transparent, we can acknowledge that all of us have doubted God at some point in our lives. Rather than trying to promote the idea that all “faithful and strong” Christians never doubt God, we need to be honest with ourselves as well as others. Doubting God is common, but we cannot move forward if we never acknowledge this has happened to us. I have doubted God many times in my Christian walk. Most of the time, this was when I was going through a depressive episode or a health scare. I doubted Him because I was afraid. Maybe you also doubted God because you were afraid. Doubt comes in many forms, yet most of us doubt God when we are afraid about something, someone, or the future. Scary times should bring us closer to God, yet sometimes they leave us feeling doubtful of God’s goodness and protection.  When we doubt, the first step is to accept our feelings. Rather than running from them, we need to acknowledge their presence and accept that this is how we are feeling. God knows we will doubt, but He doesn’t love us any less. His love is not dependent on our actions, thoughts, or behaviors. He loves us because love is His very being (1 John 4:8).  After we have accepted our feelings, we need to turn our hearts to God. Yes, we might feel doubtful right now, but we need to look at His past faithfulness. When I doubt God, I remember His love and faithfulness in past situations where I was afraid. Once I can get myself in this mindset, the doubt quickly flees as darkness does when someone shines a light. The doubt dissipates because I have been reminded of God’s goodness, protection, and love.   Intersecting Faith & Life: Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” As the writer of Hebrews tells us, we cannot please God without faith. When we doubt Him, we are not expressing faith in Him. Having faith in God is not blind faith; rather, it is a faith we can rely on. The faith we have in God is built firmly upon the Bible, history, and what we have personally experienced in life. When we are doubting, we need to remember these things. We have to let go of doubt and hold onto faith. As the writer of Hebrews tells us, we have to come to Him in faith, believe that He exists, and rest in the promise that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Letting go of doubt will also give us true freedom. As mentioned, doubt is often rooted in fear. Once we are able to let go of doubt, we can let go of fear. At this point, we will be able to walk in faith and trust God in every area of our lives. Hard times will come around again and try to make us doubt, but we can choose to remember God's faithfulness rather than feed into doubt and fear. Faith can be hard to find at times, yet we never need to doubt God. He is worthy of all of our trust (Psalm 20:7). We only have faith in the people and things that we trust. Therefore, we need to learn to trust God more in our lives. Trusting God can take time, but we can start taking the steps today. We will quickly find that trusting in God will never leave us alone or without hope.  We can trust God because He is faithful (Isaiah 25:1; Lamentations 3:23).  “Dear God, I’m sorry I have doubted You in the past. Please help me have faith and fully trust in You. Times are hard, and they can make me fearful. Equip my heart with faith and trust in You, God. I don’t want to live in a state of doubt anymore. Thank You for hearing my prayers. Amen.” Have you recently doubted God? What was happening? How can you let go of doubt today and hold onto faith? Without faith, it is impossible to please God. How does th

Mar 28, 20256 min

Pray Without Ceasing

Prayer is not just a ritual; it's a way of life that can deepen our relationship with Him and guide us through life's challenges. We’ll discuss practical tips for integrating prayer into our daily routines, the significance of maintaining a prayerful heart, and how to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous connection with God. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you incorporate prayer into your daily life? What are your favorite prayer practices? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s uplift one another as we commit to a life of prayer! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Pray Without Ceasing “Pray without Ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Lord, help me.” This is what I recited to myself as I waited in the lab to have my blood drawn. This was part of the doctor's orders for some health challenges that I had been dealing with since the summer. I prayed again once I got my blood drawn and went home to work. “Lord, I can't do this without you. I'm asking for complete and total healing for my body. Help my thyroid levels to raise to appropriate levels. Let my lab work come back normal. Allow me another day to serve you. Amen.” I went about my day, checking items off my to-do list. As I sat down to dinner, I said grace. “Lord, thank you for this food. Thank you for this day. Thank you for another productive day. Let us be grateful for your provision. Amen.” As I laid my head down on the pillow to go to sleep. Many thoughts went through my head. “Lord, help me to calm my racing thoughts. Please help me to put away the cares of the day. Please give me the rest I need to wake up refreshed tomorrow. Thank you for another day to serve you. Amen.” I admit I never understood what praying without ceasing meant. Because my mind often wandered toward work and other responsibilities of raising children and being a wife, in addition to serving in my local church, my mind didn't always think about praying. I often went through the day starting my day off in prayer, only to lay my head down at the end of a long day and fall fast asleep.  Though I've matured over the years, I realized that praying without ceasing means stopping and asking the Lord for his presence in all aspects of my life. Whether it's my morning prayer time, praying for the requests of friends and family, saying grace, or asking God to give me restorative sleep to get me through the next day, it's all part of praying without ceasing.  If we're honest, we all need help in this area. Like me, we often skate through our days without a thought about the Lord. Many of us live our lives inviting God into what we're doing. However, praying without ceasing involves asking the Lord what he wants from our days. As we pray and ask God for his guidance, presence, and provision, we may find divine interruptions throughout our day.  For example, we may be focused on our lives, only to find a phone call from a frantic friend that makes us stop and pray for them and with them. We may deal with financial or health crises, needing God's guidance throughout the day, sometimes every hour, or even every minute.  When we must cling to Jesus because our only hope is in him, it may find us praying like never before. We may find our thoughts drifting toward crying out to the Lord throughout the day. This gives new meaning to what it means to pray without ceasing. Analyze your thought life. Do you find you go throughout your day, skating through each activity, giving little or no thought to the Lord? Do you often invite God into your actions rather than ask him for guidance? When we yield our lives entirely to him, we may find he has a different agenda for us than our lofty to-do list. We may find we must cross off an important task to address God's agenda for the day.  These divine interruptions accomplish God's agenda: to glorify God and to live out our purpose and mission to serve him. When we shift our perspective from a selfish invitation into our lives to a complete yielding of our lives to the Lord, we may find our lives easier. We may not only have the time to help a needy friend but also have time to complete our to-do list in record time.  God promises that he will be faithful in bearing them when we cast our cares on him. Even if we must put off unimportant tasks that feel important to us, we know God is in control. When we live believing that God is our story's author, we pray without ceasing and cling to the hope with him every minute of every hour.  Father, let us be people who pray without ceasing. Let us invite you into our lives, rather than simply inviting you to care for us as we fulfill our agendas. In our efforts to make you Lord of our lives, let us not stop communicating with you throughout our d

Mar 27, 20255 min

What Withholding Forgiveness Reveals about Our Hearts

In this thought-provoking episode of What Withholding Forgiveness Reveals About Our Hearts, we delve into the deeper implications of holding onto grudges and the impact it has on our spiritual and emotional well-being. We’ll explore the biblical principles of forgiveness, how our unwillingness to forgive can reveal hidden wounds, and the freedom that comes from extending grace to others. Join us as we reflect on the transformative power of forgiveness and its essential role in our relationship with God and others. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What has your journey with forgiveness taught you about your heart? Share your insights and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another in understanding and embracing the power of forgiveness! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: What Withholding Forgiveness Reveals About Our Hearts (813 words) By Lynette Kittle “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy time seven times’”—Matthew 18:21-22 In watching rerun episodes of the classic hit television show “I Love Lucy,” the Church could learn a few lessons in how to forgive one another, seeing how over and over again, the characters forgive each other. If unfamiliar with the show, the lead characters, who are also neighbors and best friends, Ricky and Lucy Ricardo and Fred and Ethel Mertz, repeatedly go through misunderstandings, quarrels, disagreements, and even knock-down, drag-out fights, exchanging hurtful words and actions, but eventually working through them, ending each show by making up and declaring their love for one another, vowing to be lifelong friends. It’s a picture of what relationships are supposed to be, not the hurtful words and actions, but the forgiving, making up, and loving one another regardless of past hurts.  Sadly Lacking in Forgiveness Sadly, even Christians today are lacking in knowing how to forgive and reconcile with each other, following secular counsel more than God’s counsel concerning forgiving one another.  Colossians 3:13 urges, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you,”  But instead of following God’s direction and repeatedly forgiving someone, some are setting up their own rules by dropping people right and left from their lives, canceling them out, unwilling to forgive the 70 x 7 that Jesus instructs us to follow.  But still, God is the author of forgiveness, not us. Yet, some are skipping over Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Counter to Jesus’ words, some churches are even encouraging and supporting individuals casting people aside who they deem “toxic,” rather than bringing them to redemption and reconciliation. But what if the people who refuse to forgive others are actually more toxic than those who need to be forgiven? What if their hearts are filled with pride, setting their standard for forgiveness above God’s requirement for forgiveness? We’re All Born Toxic God’s way is to forgive toxic people; if it wasn’t, then He wouldn’t have given Jesus to the world as John 3:16 explains. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Since Adam’s fall in the garden, humans are born toxic, contaminated by sin. Romans 5:12 describes, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” It’s not until we receive God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that we become detoxified. As Romans 5:19 explains, “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Sadly, some believers are falling terribly short these days, not understanding how unforgiveness is extremely toxic in the life of a believer, not considering that unforgiveness is sin, as well as an indicator and evidence of unbelief.  The Forgiveness Meter God doesn’t ever approve of our being unforgiving. It’s unacceptable because we have been forgiven by Him. By receiving His forgiveness, we surrender our right to be unforgiving towards others, and God will not ever justify us withholding forgiveness from each other. Christians who withhold forgiveness do not understand that forgiveness is a meter of sorts, revealin

Mar 26, 20257 min

Releasing Control

Many of us struggle with the desire to control our circumstances, but true peace and freedom come when we release our grip and trust in His plan. We’ll discuss practical strategies for surrendering control in our lives, the importance of faith, and how this process can lead to deeper spiritual growth. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What areas of your life are you learning to release control over? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage one another as we embrace the freedom that comes with surrendering to God! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Releasing Control  by Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer  “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” Isaiah 26:3 ESV) It took me awhile, but I’ve finally come to the conclusion that you and I are not in control of our lives, as much as we’d like to think we are.  I learned this lesson during 2020, after experiencing a series of losses. Thankfully, I didn’t lose anyone close to me during the pandemic. But I did lose other things that hurt deeply. I lost the opportunity to be with and hug my little nephews. I lost a speaking opportunity at a prestigious writers conference for which I had waited more than a decade to be on the faculty. And I lost the ability to visit some favorite places of mine where I felt near to God and His blessings.  While the loss of opportunities and daily routine was difficult, why did it take a pandemic –and the fear it arouses, the mandates it included, and the restrictions put in place—to make me feel I had no control of my life and circumstances?    What I really lost during that time was the belief that I was in control—as if I ever really was.  We thrive today on the notion that we make our own reality. If you can dream it, you can do it. We think and therefore we are. And yet, how much peace–and how much less striving—we would experience if we daily acknowledged that there is really only One who is in control…and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, God’s own Son, we have the assurance that when it looks like things are out of control, when were convinced we have no control, He is still very much in control.  And all His ways are good. Through Jesus, we can experience peace, not the endless striving to control, and the resulting frustration of not being able to control.  Intersecting Faith and Life: Loss and frustration impacts every one of us at some time in our lives, even when we’re trusting in God. Loss happens because we’re living in a fallen world. In the midst of a relationship with God, loss threatens our happiness, it tries to kill our joy, and in some extreme cases, it makes us believe we’ll have unending heartache.  Because you and I were created to live eternally in a sinless world, and experience life with others who will live eternally, we weren’t created with a mental and emotional capacity for loss and death. Yet because we now live in a world of sin and death, we must rely on God for an otherworldly ability to cope with loss. And that happens as we release our sense of control and acknowledge that God is in charge and He is still good,  In the New Living Translation, Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” In other words, as you keep your heart and mind fixed on Jesus, regardless of your circumstances, regardless of your losses, you will experience what Scripture calls “perfect peace”—not momentary peace, not worldly peace, not a mystical self-confidence type of peace, but a perfect, incomprehensible, only-from-the-presence-of-God peace as you trust in Him.  That kind of peace is not a blanket promise to all who simply believe God exists.  It’s a guarantee to those who are steadfast, unmoving in their faith in who God is, His absolute control over all things, and His ability to govern, regardless of our circumstances.  For me, exercising that steadfast immovable faith consists of saying aloud the words “God, this did not take You by surprise. You are still in control. You are still good. And all your ways are perfect” (Psalm 18:30).  We can rob ourselves of peace when our minds are fixed on our emotions, or the outcomes we are trying to achieve, or on all the options we must investigate. Yet fixing our eyes on Jesus, and trusting that He is still on the throne, and He is still capable of doing all things, and doing them perfectly, can keep us in a place of perfect peace.  As I’ve trusted Him and fixed my mind on Him, I’ve seen my Heavenly Father come through in amazingly g

Mar 25, 20256 min

Spring Clean Your Soul

We invite you to embark on a spiritual decluttering journey. Just as we tidy up our homes in the spring, it’s time to refresh our hearts and minds. We’ll discuss practical steps to let go of emotional baggage, nurture our spiritual health, and invite new growth into our lives. Discover how spiritual renewal can lead to a deeper connection with God and a more vibrant life. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What areas of your life are you seeking to refresh this season? Share your spring cleaning tips and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another in creating space for spiritual growth and renewal! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Spring Clean Your Soul By: Whitney Hopler  “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32, NIV On a sunny spring day, a beam of sunlight shone into the front hallway of my home, revealing lots of dirt I hadn’t realized was there. Yuck! I thought. It had been easy to ignore my dirty home when I didn’t see what was really there. But now, I took a fresh look around and noticed other parts of my home that needed attention, such as my cluttered living room. Soon after that, I started spring cleaning, but I felt bored while I cleaned – so I let my thoughts wander. It wasn’t long before I found myself ruminating on a situation that made me angry. A family member had mistreated me, and I replayed her behavior over in my mind with bitterness. Then it hit me that I needed to clean more than just my home. I needed to spring clean my soul, as well. Letting anger and bitterness remain in my soul was even more dangerous than allowing dirt and clutter to stay in my home. So, I set my floor mop aside and said a prayer, forgiving my family member and asking the Holy Spirit to renew me.  When we clean our physical spaces, how often do we consider the state of our spiritual spaces? Cleaning our souls is even more important than cleaning our homes, because doing so affects not only our own well-being, but also our relationships with God and others. Ephesians 4:31-32 urges us to get rid of all the dirty attitudes that are lurking in our minds and instead make healthy choices like being kind to each other and pursuing and practicing forgiveness. These verses are a vital call to action. Just as we need to clean our homes to be healthy physically, we need to clean our souls to be healthy spiritually.  Think about it: a dirty, cluttered home can make us feel stressed and uncomfortable. But an unclean soul creates a much deeper level of stress for us. Bitterness can lead to isolation and loneliness. Uncontrolled anger can destroy families and friendships. Slander can ruin reputations and break relationships. Malice can prevent us from embracing and spreading God’s love. When we allow negative emotions to stay stuck in our souls rather than dealing with them and then clearing them out, that blocks our spiritual growth. Just as physical clutter can prevent us from finding what we need, spiritual clutter interferes with our connection to God. That makes it hard to notice God’s presence with us, which blocks us from experiencing peace and joy.  So, how can you start spring cleaning your soul? First, you need to acknowledge the clutter. Take an honest inventory of your inner life. Are there areas where bitterness lingers in your mind? Do you struggle with anger or resentment? Have you spread gossip or slander?  Next, bring these issues to God in prayer. Confess your struggles and ask for God’s help to clear out unhealthy attitudes and actions from your life. God is the ultimate cleanser, capable of washing away the stains of sin and healing you from pain. Ask God’s Holy Spirit to reveal the root causes of the dirt and clutter in your soul, and to heal you.  Then, make a conscious decision to let go of all the unhealthy stuff that has accumulated in your soul. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to do whatever you need to do to clean your soul: forgiving people who have hurt you, releasing your anger, choosing to speak kindly instead of gossiping or slandering, and choosing love over malice. Pray for help to grow in holiness, relying on the Holy Spirit to help you develop the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities are like air fresheners for your soul, bringing a refreshing fragrance of God’s presence into your life.  Cleaning your soul is not a one-time event in the spring; it’s an ongoing process for every season. Just as you need to regularly clean your

Mar 24, 20257 min

Becoming Our Best Selves

Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. We’ll explore what it means to embrace our true identities in Christ and the steps we can take to cultivate a life that reflects our best selves. From overcoming self-doubt to setting intentional goals, this conversation will empower you to pursue a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What steps are you taking to become your best self? Share your insights, experiences, and favorite resources with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s motivate one another as we strive for personal growth and deeper connections with God! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 23, 20256 min

Cry Out to God

We explore the profound power of prayer and worship in our spiritual journeys. Just as the psalmists called out in their times of need, we are invited to bring our deepest cries and praises to God. We’ll delve into the biblical foundations of crying out to God, how it fosters intimacy in our relationship with Him, and the transformative impact it can have on our lives. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you express your heart to God in prayer? What verses or experiences inspire you to cry out in worship? Share your thoughts and stories with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage each other as we deepen our connection with God through heartfelt prayer! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Cry Out to God “I lift my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 “Your job has been cut due to budget cuts.” This is what an e-mail said to me a week before Christmas. As a writer, writing jobs are hard to come by. We often get article contracts, but they are frequently not consistent income. We must scour the Internet for other opportunities to make sure we get the opportunities we need. A writer usually scrapes by in terms of income. Yet, this is the calling God has placed on my life.  Because of skyrocketing costs and an unstable economy, this was a mountain of a problem. It was one thing to have my job cut, but quite another to find another writing opportunity. Because writing opportunities are so few, it is difficult for many writers to get jobs within their field. I knew this would be difficult for me to recover. Although the income was not much, it was substantial enough to help pay for some monthly bills. I worried about the problem. I searched the Internet for additional writing jobs and asked friends to be on the lookout for opportunities.  When nothing happened, I finally bowed my head. “Lord, I need your help. I can't do this without you. Please help me find a new job to cover my missing income. God, you have been so good with our provision. I pray you will again provide in miraculous ways. Amen.” Instead of running to God first, I took matters into my own hands. I thought I could fix the problem by merely using my tools and resources. However, God wants me to run to him. Even if I could fix the issue alone, God wants me to express my emotions. Even though the job required writing many articles throughout the month, it was income I could count on. Without it, I wasn't sure I'd be able to pay our mortgage.  When we have problems that look like mountains in our lives, it's easy for us to take matters into our own hands. We may try to resolve the issue independently, talking to friends, utilizing tools and resources, and doing anything without going to God. But sometimes, the best thing we can do is cry out to God. In the above verse, the psalmist understands having problems that look like mountains. But he cries out to God because he knows his help can only come from him. God is in the business of working miracles in our lives. Even when we don't feel him working, he's still working on our behalf. God will never let us down. He's fully present with us. When we have problems that look like mountains in our lives, we can lift our eyes to the one who created the mountains in the first place. There is no situation in our lives that God can't resolve. Even in the most challenging situations where we feel a positive result is impossible, God can turn any situation around. He can soften hearts, open doors no one can shut, and change people's lives. Even when we are tempted to take matters into our own hands and resolve problems ourselves, God wants us to come to him.  Because he created the heavens and the earth, he already knows our issues before we even experience them. In our pain, we can cry out to God, who is faithful in hearing our prayers and working on our behalf. But we must cry out to him. God does not force himself in places where he is not wanted. Our cries are a sign to him that he is welcome to work in our lives. When you are in trouble, where do you lift your eyes? Do you take matters into your own hands and try to resolve the problem yourself? Do you cry out to God, the creator of the heavens and the earth? Yield your life fully to him. Let him work on your behalf. You may be surprised to see the miraculous and wonderous works he does on your behalf.  Father, let us constantly cry out to you in our distress. Let us lift our eyes to you when we have problems that look like mountains. Remember that as you created the heavens and the earth, you also made us. You can handle our issues and are faithful in resolving them in your time. Amen.  Intersecting Faith and Life In what ways have you failed

Mar 22, 20254 min

A God Who Fights for Us

In times of struggle and adversity, it's essential to remember that we are not alone. We’ll explore how God stands with us in our battles, providing strength, courage, and protection as we navigate life’s challenges. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How have you experienced God fighting for you in difficult times? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What verses encourage you to trust in God’s power during struggles? Let’s come together to support one another in faith! 🎙 ⚔️ SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 21, 20257 min

The Season of Singing Has Come

Just as nature awakens with joy in the spring, our hearts are called to express gratitude and praise through song. We’ll discuss the biblical significance of singing in worship and how music can transform our spiritual lives and strengthen our connection to God. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What songs or hymns resonate with your heart in this season? Share your favorites and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How does music enhance your worship experience? Let’s uplift one another as we embrace this joyful season of singing! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 20, 20256 min

Is It Unchristian to Struggle with Depression?

We tackle the sensitive and important topic of "Is It Unchristian to Struggle with Depression?" Mental health struggles can often feel isolating, especially within faith communities. We’ll explore the biblical perspective on mental health, addressing the misconception that struggling with depression reflects a lack of faith, and how God meets us in our pain. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! Have you ever felt conflicted about your mental health struggles in your faith journey? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How can we better support one another in our mental health journeys? Let’s create a safe space for discussion and encouragement! 🎙 💬 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 19, 20256 min

Discerning Our Spiritual Gifts

Understanding our unique gifts is essential for fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives and contributing to the body of Christ. We’ll discuss how to identify, cultivate, and use our spiritual gifts to serve others and glorify God. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What spiritual gifts have you discovered in your life? Share your experiences and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you use your gifts to make a difference in your community? Let’s encourage one another as we journey together in faith! 🎙 🌟 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 18, 20257 min

Are You Walking on Shifting Sands?

Life can often feel unstable and uncertain, much like walking on shifting ground. We’ll discuss the significance of building our lives on the solid foundation of faith in Christ, exploring how to recognize and navigate the unstable areas of our lives with God’s guidance. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! Have you ever felt like you were walking on shifting sands? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What practices help you find stability in your faith? Let’s support one another as we seek to stand firm on the foundation of God’s truth! 🎙 ⛰️ SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 17, 20256 min

From the Overflow of the Heart

Our hearts are the wellspring of our thoughts, words, and actions, and what fills our hearts will ultimately shape our lives. We’ll explore the importance of cultivating a heart aligned with God’s love and truth, and how this overflow can impact those around us. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What do you find fills your heart the most? Share your insights and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you ensure your heart overflows with love and gratitude? Let’s encourage one another to nurture our hearts in faith! 🎙 ❤️ SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 16, 20255 min

God’s Unexpected Assignments

Life often takes us down unforeseen paths, and just as God called ordinary individuals for extraordinary tasks, He may be inviting us to step into roles we never anticipated. We’ll discuss the importance of being open to God’s leading and how these divine assignments can shape our faith journey. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! Have you ever received an unexpected assignment from God? Share your experiences and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What lessons did you learn from stepping out of your comfort zone? Let’s support each other as we embrace God’s surprising plans! 🎙 ✨ SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 15, 20256 min

Running for Christ

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the invigorating theme of "Running for Christ." Just as a race requires dedication, perseverance, and focus, our spiritual journey calls us to run with purpose and intention. We’ll discuss what it means to live our lives as an expression of our faith, striving to embody Christ's teachings in every step we take. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you stay motivated in your spiritual race? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What verses encourage you to run for Christ with passion and purpose? Let’s support one another as we strive to finish the race strong! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 14, 20256 min

Our God Is Uniquely Powerful and Personal

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we celebrate the awe-inspiring theme of "Our God Is Uniquely Powerful and Personal." We often marvel at God's immense power in the universe, but it’s equally important to recognize His intimate involvement in our individual lives. We’ll explore how these two attributes coexist, showing us a God who is not only capable of great wonders but also deeply concerned about our personal stories. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How have you experienced God’s power in your life while feeling His personal touch? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What verses remind you of His power and intimacy? Let’s encourage one another as we deepen our understanding of the God who is both powerful and personal! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 13, 20259 min

You Will Never Face Anything Alone

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the reassuring theme of "You Will Never Face Anything Alone." Life often brings challenges that can feel overwhelming, but the promise of God’s presence provides comfort and strength in every situation. We’ll discuss the biblical foundation for trusting that we are never abandoned and how this truth can transform our fears into faith. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How has God’s presence made a difference in your life during difficult times? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What verses remind you of His constant companionship? Let’s uplift one another as we embrace the truth that we are never alone in our journey! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 12, 20255 min

A God That Keeps Score

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we tackle the thought-provoking theme of "A God That Keeps Score." Many of us grapple with the idea of accountability in our faith, questioning how God measures our actions, intentions, and growth. We’ll explore the biblical perspective on God’s awareness of our lives and how His grace and mercy shape our understanding of “scoring” in our relationship with Him. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you interpret the concept of God keeping score in your own life? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What verses offer you comfort and clarity regarding accountability in your faith? Let’s support one another as we deepen our understanding of God’s heart toward us! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 11, 20255 min

How Joy Helps Us Thrive in Painful Seasons

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the uplifting theme of "How Joy Helps Us Thrive in Painful Seasons." While pain and hardship are inevitable parts of life, joy can be a powerful force that enables us to not only endure but also flourish during tough times. We’ll explore the biblical understanding of joy and how it can serve as a beacon of hope when we face life's challenges. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How has joy empowered you during difficult times? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What verses remind you to choose joy in adversity? Let’s encourage one another as we embrace the healing and thriving power of joy in our lives! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 10, 20256 min

The Holy Spirit Is Moving in Our Lives

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we dive into the profound theme of "The Holy Spirit Is Moving in Our Lives." Understanding the active role of the Holy Spirit is essential for deepening our faith and experiencing spiritual growth. We’ll explore how the Holy Spirit guides, comforts, and empowers us in our daily walk with God. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How have you experienced the Holy Spirit working in your life? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What verses remind you of the Holy Spirit’s guidance? Let’s encourage one another as we seek to grow in our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 9, 20256 min

Prisoners of Hope

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the powerful theme of "Prisoners of Hope." In challenging times, holding onto hope can be transformative, providing strength and resilience when life feels overwhelming. We’ll discuss how to cultivate a hopeful mindset rooted in God’s promises, reminding ourselves that hope is not just a feeling but a steadfast anchor for our souls. Through engaging scripture and uplifting personal testimonies, we’ll uncover practical ways to embrace hope in our daily lives. You’ll learn how being a "prisoner of hope" can empower you to face adversity with faith and courage, knowing that God is always working for your good. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How has hope played a role in your life during tough times? Share your inspiring stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What Bible verses encourage you to remain hopeful? Let’s support each other as we navigate life’s challenges and celebrate the unyielding power of hope together! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 8, 20255 min

When You’re Waiting for God’s Answers

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the theme of When You’re Waiting for God’s Answers. Waiting can be one of the most challenging aspects of our faith journey, filled with uncertainty and doubt. We’ll discuss how to navigate these seasons of waiting, emphasizing the importance of patience and trust in God’s perfect timing. Through scripture and personal testimonies, we’ll uncover the growth and understanding that can emerge during these waiting periods, reminding us that God is always listening and working on our behalf. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! How have you learned to wait for God’s answers in your life? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What verses encourage you during times of waiting? Let’s support one another as we embrace the lessons and blessings found in these waiting seasons! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 7, 20255 min

Be Sober and Alert

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we discuss the call to Be Sober and Alert. In a world filled with distractions and challenges, it’s crucial for us as believers to stay spiritually vigilant and grounded. We’ll explore what it means to be sober-minded, drawing from scripture and real-life examples that illustrate the importance of discernment and focus in our faith journey. Together, we’ll learn how staying alert can help us navigate life’s trials and resist temptations, ultimately strengthening our relationship with God. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you practice sobriety and alertness in your spiritual life? Share your insights and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What scriptures encourage you to remain vigilant? Let’s inspire one another as we strive to live with purpose and awareness in our faith! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 6, 20254 min

Expect the Best from God

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we encourage you to Expect the Best from God. Life can be full of uncertainties, but as believers, we are called to anticipate God’s goodness and faithfulness in every situation. We’ll explore what it means to have a hopeful expectation, rooted in scripture and personal testimonies of God’s blessings. Together, we’ll discover how cultivating a mindset of hope can transform our outlook and deepen our trust in God’s perfect plan for our lives. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! How do you practice expecting the best from God in your daily life? Share your experiences and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What verses inspire you to maintain hope and trust? Let’s uplift one another as we embrace the abundant life God has for us! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mar 5, 20256 min